Can text message threats be used as evidence in grave threat or unjust vexation cases in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, the use of text messages as evidence in legal cases, including grave threats and unjust vexation, is a recognized practice. However, several legal principles and procedural requirements must be considered to ensure that such evidence is admissible and effective in court.

Admissibility of Electronic Evidence

Under the Philippine Rules on Electronic Evidence, electronic documents, which include text messages, are admissible as evidence. To use a text message as evidence, it must meet the following criteria:

Relevance: The text message must be relevant to the case, demonstrating a direct connection to the threat or vexation being alleged.
Integrity: The message must be shown to be authentic and unaltered. This can involve demonstrating the chain of custody or the means by which the message was obtained and preserved.
Authentication: The sender of the message must be identified. This can be challenging if only a phone number is known, but it can be supported by contextual evidence such as other communications from the same number or corroborating testimony.

Legal Definitions and Requirements

Grave Threats (Article 282, Revised Penal Code): A person is liable for grave threats if they threaten another with the infliction of harm upon their person, honor, or property. The threat must be serious and intended to create fear. Text messages conveying such threats can be used as evidence if they meet the admissibility requirements mentioned above.
Unjust Vexation (Article 287, Revised Penal Code): This offense involves causing irritation, annoyance, or distress to another person without legal justification. Text messages that demonstrate a pattern of harassment or vexatious behavior can support a case of unjust vexation.

Identifying the Sender

In situations where the identity of the sender is not explicitly known but can be inferred, additional evidence is crucial:

Communication Patterns: Consistent communication from the same number, indicating the sender's identity.
Third-party Testimony: Statements from individuals who can attest to the identity of the sender.
Digital Evidence: Data from messaging apps that link the phone number to a specific individual, such as profiles or user information visible in applications like Viber.

Practical Steps

Preservation of Evidence: Save all threatening messages and maintain them in their original format. Use screenshots and backups to ensure no data is lost.
Documentation: Document the context of each message, including dates, times, and any related incidents that corroborate the threats or harassment.
Legal Consultation: Seek legal advice to ensure proper handling of the evidence and to understand the procedural steps necessary for filing a complaint or initiating legal action.

Conclusion

Text messages can be powerful evidence in cases of grave threats or unjust vexation in the Philippines. However, their admissibility hinges on proper authentication and relevance to the case. By following legal guidelines and ensuring thorough documentation and preservation, victims can effectively use text message threats to support their claims in court.