Padilla pushes for digital access to Shari’a courts

Senator Robin Padilla has filed a bill allowing Filipinos to have digital access to Shari’a courts (Islamic courts).

Padilla, in filing Senate Bill 2462, sought to amend some provisions of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009 to make Shari’a courts more accessible to Filipinos.

“This measure also introduces provisions for the creation of a digital platform that allows the paperless filing of routine documents to and from Shari’a courts, as well as the collection of statistical data for

Muslim Filipinos at the national, regional, provincial, city, and municipal levels,” Padilla said in his bill.

“To ensure that all citizens of this country are able to access an effective, efficient, and non-discriminatory legal system, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought,” he added.

Padilla said many Muslim Filipinos face difficulties in availing of Shari’a court services due to lack of funds and knowledge in submitting documents.

Another challenge is the lack of Shari’a courts outside Mindanao.

“Needless to say, these circumstances undermine our country’s commitment to promoting fair and equal treatment to all of its citizens under the law,” said Padilla.

Under the bill, the NCMF and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will work with the Supreme Court in establishing a digital platform for the “paperless filing” of documents including marriage, birth and death certificates, along with the collection of appropriate fees.

The NCMF will also help in the submission of legal documents related to cases before the Sharia court.