US donates P4.2M in equipment for SC's 'tele-hearings'

The United States Embassy in Manila has turned over at least P4.2 million or $83,000 worth of equipment to support the Philippine Supreme Court’s videoconferencing hearings.

US Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) ad interim Heather Variava on Thursday met with SC Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo to discuss judicial reforms and handed over the funded equipment in order to mitigate risks associated with in-person engagements during COVID-19 pandemic.

The donated equipment package includes nine units of videoconferencing tools, nine 55-inch TV units, a professional high-bright teleprompter, and Training Registration and Management System, which is a browser-based data collection system programmed to help the Philippine Judicial Academy manage the information and data gathered for seminars.

Gesmundo thanked the US government for the support, saying that it “will contribute to our collective commitment in expanding the public’s access to justice through technology.”

Meanwhile, Variava lauded the significance of the court’s work in the country.

“Technology is key to improving access to justice, increasing transparency, and protecting the rights of all people.  The US is proud to support these efforts and looks forward to future collaboration,” Variava said. —LBG, GMA News