00:00Chair would like to issue a directive cum ruling with respect to what came out in the recent days and
00:08or last week.
00:10After Mr. Ortonio testified before this court, an image of him allegedly wearing an earpiece was widely circulated on the
00:18internet.
00:20We take this opportunity after verification that it was an AI-generated image and simply false.
00:30The Chair wishes to remind and take this opportunity the parties that every witness must testify nevertheless solely from his
00:38or her own knowledge, free from coaching or influence from counsel or any other person.
00:44Again, to reiterate, hindi totoo yung lumalabas ng mga litrato na di umano merong earpiece si Mr. Ortonio, yung po
00:51ay AI, what he had was a frontfold helix, an ear piercing in the frontfold helix of his ear.
00:58Not an earpiece.
01:02The underlying principle being cited by the presiding officer will be Section 21E of AM No. 24-1102 by the
01:10Supreme Court,
01:12prohibiting the use of cell phones, tablets, or some other similar gadgets during videoconferencing by analogy.
01:20Also, basis would be the U.S. case of Villarreal v. Texas, wherein a witness must provide his own account
01:28rather than one scripted or choreographed by any party, counsel, or any interested party.
01:34Also, citing the case of Sky Development Inc. v. VistaView, docket No. 3D-101274 of the U.S. Supreme Court.
01:43Accordingly,
01:45No witness while testifying shall possess, have access to, or use any earpiece, headset, cell phone, smartwatch, smart glasses, or
01:55any other similar device capable of transmitting or receiving information or communication.
02:01Witnesses are also prohibited from receiving or attempting to receive any communication, suggestion, answer, signal, message, or prompt for any
02:10person, whether inside or outside this court, regardless of the means employed.
02:16The prohibition shall remain in force during recesses and until the witness is formally discharged by the court.
02:25Consultation on unrelated matters, the use of any necessary medical accessibility, interpretation, or other device, shall be subject to the
02:32court's prior approval.
02:34The clerk, therefore, is hereby directed
02:36To inform each witness of these directives prior to testifying
02:41No. 2. Secure all prohibited communication devices in the witness's possession before he or she is sworn in
02:49No. 3. To obtain the witness, express confirmation on the record that he or she understands and shall comply with
02:56this directive.
02:57Any violation shall be brought to the attention of the chair and dealt with accordingly under the court's disciplinary powers.
03:04The directive shall take effect immediately and shall apply to the witness henceforth this court will be receiving.
03:11Sorted
03:24Sorted
