Supreme Court Starts Electronic Filing Transition July 1
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) will begin transitioning to electronic filing starting July 1 for selected petitions and motions, officials announced Thursday. This shift to eFiling aims to streamline court processes ahead of mandatory digital submissions set for October 1, 2025.
SC spokesperson Camille Ting shared that the move follows guidelines approved by the SC En Banc on May 20. The new system will enable lawyers to file certain court documents electronically through the eCourt PH app, which is part of the Philippine Judiciary Platform (PJP), a unified online portal for court services.
Phased Implementation of Electronic Filing
From July 1, 2024, until September 30, 2025, lawyers must submit initiatory pleadings and motions for extension of time digitally via the PJP in addition to traditional paper filings. Ting emphasized, “From July 1 to September 30, 2025, lawyers must file digitally with the SC through the PJP – in addition to paper-based filing – initiatory pleadings and motions for extension of time.”
The specific petitions and motions required for eFiling include:
- Petitions for review on certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, with or without applications for temporary restraining orders (TRO), writs of preliminary injunction (WPI), or other provisional remedies;
- Review of judgments and final orders or resolutions from the Commission on Elections and Commission on Audit under Rule 64;
- Petitions for certiorari, prohibition, or mandamus under Rule 65, with or without TROs, WPIs, or provisional remedies;
- Petitions for contempt;
- Petitions for issuance of prerogative writs, including habeas corpus, amparo, habeas data, kalikasan, and continuing mandamus;
- Quo warranto actions.
However, Ting reminded filers that all service of these documents must still comply with the Rules of Civil Procedure.
Mandatory eFiling by October 2025
All subsequent pleadings related to these petitions, due from July 1 onwards, must also be filed digitally. Ting stated, “By October 1, 2025, eFiling and service through the PJP will be mandatory for covered pleadings filed by lawyers.”
Improperly filed petitions, motions, or pleadings may be dismissed or denied starting October 1. Any later improper filings will be treated as though they were never filed.
Access to records will be limited exclusively to lawyers involved in the cases, requiring them to register and file electronically using their individual PJP accounts.
Exemptions and Filing Alternatives
Petitions and motions not included in the eFiling requirement will continue following existing procedures. These include:
- Criminal appeals under Rule 122 from first- and second-level courts, Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, and Sandiganbayan;
- Administrative complaints against Supreme Court personnel and decentralized units, as well as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal;
- Administrative matters involving lower courts and their officials;
- Complaints against lawyers and other Bar matters;
- Cases under the jurisdiction of the Senate Electoral Tribunal, House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, and the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.
Parties without lawyers, amicus curiae, Shari’ah counselors-at-law who are not members of the Philippine Bar, and law student practitioners must continue filing documents personally, via registered mail, or through accredited couriers.
Local sources noted this transition marks a significant step toward modernizing the judiciary, improving efficiency, and reducing physical paperwork. Lawyers and court users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new eFiling procedures to ensure smooth compliance.
For more news and updates on Supreme Court electronic filing, visit Filipinokami.com.