As part of its ongoing modernization and digital transformation efforts, the Supreme Court (“SC”) has promulgated A.M. No. 25-05-16-SC or “The Guidelines on the Transition to Electronic Filing in the Supreme Court” (“Guidelines on Transition to E-filing in the SC”). This significant move aims to pave the way for the eventual establishment of an electronic filing (“e-filing”) and paperless system in the Judiciary, in pursuit of the objective of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027, which envisions a streamlined, innovative, efficient, and accessible judicial system.
Scope of Electronic Filing
Covered Cases
The Guidelines on Transition to E-filing in the SC provide that, from 01 July until 30 September 2025 (“Transition Period”), initiatory petitions or pleadings, as well as motions for extension of time for the filing thereof, shall be filed electronically with the SC through the Philippine Judiciary Platform (“PJP”) that can be accessed through https://portal.judiciary.gov.ph in the following instances:
- Petitions for review on certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of Civil Procedure;
- Petitions under Rule 64 of the Rules of Civil Procedure involving review on the judgments, final orders, or resolutions of the Commission on Elections and Commission on Audit;
- Petitions under Rule 65 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, which are certiorari, prohibition, or mandamus, with or without prayers for temporary restraining orders, writs of preliminary injunction, or other provisional remedies;
- Petitions for contempt;
- Prerogative writs such as habeas corpus, amparo, habeas data, kalikasan, and continuing mandamus; and
- Quo warranto actions (hereinafter, “Covered Cases”). [Section 1, Guidelines on Transition to E-Filing in the SC]
Subsequent pleadings in previously docketed cases that fall under the above enumeration and are due on 01 July 2025 onwards shall also be filed electronically with the SC via the PJP.
During the Transition Period, service must still be done through the traditional modes provided in the Rules of Civil Procedure. However, starting 01 October 2025, it shall be mandatory for all lawyers to both file and serve pleadings in Covered Cases electronically through the PJP. [Section 1, Guidelines on Transition to E-Filing in the SC]
Excluded Cases
Unless otherwise ordered by the SC, filing and service of initiatory petitions or pleadings and motions for extensions of time in the following cases shall still be done either personally, by registered mail, or by accredited courier:
- Appeals in criminal cases pursuant to Rule 122 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure from the first- and second-level courts, the Court of Appeals, the Court of Tax Appeals, and the Sandiganbayan;
- Administrative complaints against personnel of the SC and its decentralized units, and the Presidential Electoral Tribunal;
- Administrative complaints and matters involving the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, the Court of Tax Appeals, and first- and second-level courts, its justices, judges, and personnel;
- Complaints against lawyers and other Bar matters; and
- All cases within the Jurisdiction of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, the Senate Electoral Tribunal, and the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, which shall continue to be governed by their respective rules of procedure (hereinafter, “Excluded Cases”). [Section 2, Guidelines on Transition to E-Filing in the SC]
Who May and May Not File Electronically
Under the Guidelines on Transition to E-filing in the SC, all members of the Philippine Bar must file electronically using their valid and existing PJP accounts, registration for which shall be free of charge. [Section 3, Guidelines on Transition to E-Filing in the SC].
The Guidelines on Transition to E-filing in the SC further provide that filings made using a registered account in the PJP are conclusively presumed to have been made by the person under whose name the account is registered, even if the registered user signed the pleading, motion, or other papers filed. Filing of any document by a person using the PJP account of another is strictly prohibited. Any person who deliberately or negligently allows another person to file any document using their account shall be subject to disciplinary action. [Section 3, Guidelines on Transition to E-Filing in the SC]
Meanwhile, non-lawyers, even if represented by counsel, amicus curiae appointed by the SC, Shari’ah counselors-at-law who are not members of the Philippine Bar, and Law student practitioners shall continue to file through traditional modes provided in the Rules of Court. [Section 4, Guidelines on Transition to E-Filing in the SC]
On Erroneous Filing
During the Transition Period, the SC may allow corrections in erroneous filings. In case a pleading in a Covered Case was filed by a lawyer through a wrong mode, the court shall order the filing counsel to re-submit the pleading electronically.
When the court determines that an initiatory pleading, petition, or motion for extension of time in an Excluded Case was filed electronically, the Court shall order the filing of the submission, as well as subsequent filings, personally, by registered mail, or by accredited courier in accordance with the Rules of Court, as amended. [Section 5, Guidelines on Transition to E-Filing in the SC]
Starting 01 October 2025, however, the erroneous manner of filing an initiatory pleading, petition, or motion in covered Cases may result in dismissal or denial. Additionally, any subsequent pleading, motion, or other paper that was not filed in accordance with the Guidelines shall be deemed as not filed.
Important Dates to Remember
Below are the following dates to remember relative to the implementation of the Guidelines on Transition to E-Filing in the SC:
- 01 July 2025–30 September 2025: Transition Period, where filing of initiatory pleadings, petitions, or motions for extension of time by members of the Philippine Bar in Covered Cases shall be done electronically through the PJP. However, service shall still be done through the traditional modes under the Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended.
- 01 July 2025 onwards: Subsequent pleadings in previously docketed Covered Cases falling due shall be filed electronically through the PJP.
- 01 October 2025: Electronic filing and service by of pleadings in Covered Cases shall be required for all lawyers.
The Guidelines on Transition to E-Filing in the SC takes effect on 01 July 2025 after publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation and on the Supreme Court website. No pleading, motion, or other paper filed and served in accordance with the Rules of Court shall be required to be re-filed or re-served in compliance with these Guidelines, unless otherwise ordered by the SC, in which case the original date and time of filing and service shall be controlling.