The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday, 1 July, launched its hybrid digital filing system that requires lawyers to electronically submit certain petitions in addition to traditional paper-based filings.

Atty. Camille Sue Mae Ting, SC spokesperson, announced the new system, mandating lawyers to register and create an account on the Philippine Judiciary Platform (PJP) before filing pleadings through the eCourt PH app.

Cases that are covered by the new e-filing requirement:

• Petitions for review on certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, including those with applications for temporary restraining orders (TROs), writs of preliminary injunction (WPIs), or other provisional remedies.

• Review of judgments and final orders or resolutions of the Commission on Elections and the Commission on Audit under Rule 64 of the Rules of Civil Procedure.

• Petitions for certiorari, prohibition, or mandamus under Rule 65 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, including those with applications for TROs, WPIs, or other provisional remedies.

• Petitions for contempt.

• Petitions for the issuance of prerogative writs, including habeas corpus, amparo, habeas data, kalikasan, and continuing mandamus.

• Quo warranto actions.

Subsequent pleadings in existing cases due from 1 July onwards must also be filed electronically via the PJP.

However, parties without legal counsel, amicus curiae, Shari’ah counselors-at-law not admitted to the Philippine Bar, and law student practitioners must continue to file documents through traditional methods: in person, by registered mail, or via accredited courier.

The SC said pleadings for cases not listed above also fall under these traditional filing methods.

This transition period is part of the SC’s broader move towards a fully digital eCourt System.

On 1 October 2025, electronic filing and service through the PJP will become mandatory for covered pleadings submitted by lawyers, though the service of initiatory pleadings will remain subject to the existing Rules of Court.