Privacy commission allows online hearings

He said e-hearings will be conducted through a “secure and reliable videoconferencing platform” in addition to adhering to standard practices on the collection, storage, and disposal of personal data. (Shutterstock photo)

MANILA – The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has allowed videoconferencing as a means to conduct hearings online to alleviate the challenges and dangers posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic,

In a statement on Wednesday, NPC Commissioner Raymund Liboro said online hearings and videoconferencing were adopted to help maintain safety and health in the NPC’s workplace while continually providing service to the public.

“This can also provide stakeholders convenience and cut down on their travel cost,” Liboro said.

He said e-hearings will be conducted through a “secure and reliable videoconferencing platform” in addition to adhering to standard practices on the collection, storage, and disposal of personal data.

According to NPC Advisory 2020 – 02 that was signed on Monday, online hearings may be held for all quasi-judicial proceedings such as discovery conferences, summary hearings, mediation conferences, investigations, and clarificatory hearings.

The advisory, entitled “Guidelines on the use of videoconferencing technology for the remote appearance and testimony of parties before the NPC,” took effect on Monday and will remain so until “the lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency,” it said.

Those who wish to avail of e-hearings are required to give written consent as prescribed in the new guidelines.