Accessing Court Records in the Philippines: Procedures and Costs

Dear Attorney,

Good morning. I would like to inquire about how I can access court records in the Philippines. Could you kindly guide me through the steps and provide information on the potential costs associated with obtaining these records?

Sincerely,
A Concerned Citizen

Insights:

Access to court records in the Philippines is governed by laws and regulations intended to balance the public's right to information with the confidentiality of certain judicial proceedings. Under Philippine law, court records are generally public documents, but accessing them involves certain procedures that must be followed.

Procedures for Accessing Court Records

1. Filing a Written Request
   To access court records, you must submit a formal written request to the Clerk of Court of the court where the records are kept. The request should clearly state your reason for accessing the records and specify the case number and other relevant details about the case, such as the parties involved and the date of the decision.

2. Clerk of Court Review
   Once your request is submitted, the Clerk of Court will review it. They may ask for identification and require that you explain why you are seeking access to these records. The courts have the discretion to deny access if the records involve sensitive matters such as family law cases (e.g., annulment, adoption) or if there is a court order prohibiting the release of the documents.

3. Court Approval
   For cases that involve sensitive information, such as ongoing criminal cases or those involving minors, court approval may be necessary before the records can be accessed. In such instances, you might be required to file a motion before the court, explaining the legal basis for your request.

4. Payment of Fees
   After your request is approved, you will need to pay for the reproduction of the court records. The costs vary depending on the volume of documents and the court's location, but they usually include fees for photocopying and certification. The average cost is typically nominal, but it can increase if the records are voluminous or certified copies are needed.

Common Fees

• Photocopying Charges: The courts usually charge a per-page fee for photocopying the records. This can range from ₱2 to ₱5 per page.
• Certification Fees: If you require certified true copies of the documents, the certification fee can range from ₱50 to ₱100 per document, depending on the court.
• Additional Costs: If you need the documents for official purposes, such as submitting them as evidence in another case, you may also need to pay for legal postage or handling fees, if applicable.

It is important to remember that while court records are public documents, certain cases or portions of records may still be restricted from public access. In such instances, only the parties directly involved in the case, their legal representatives, or persons with a legitimate interest can access these records.

In conclusion, while accessing court records in the Philippines is generally straightforward, it requires following the proper legal channels and paying the necessary fees. If your request is for a matter involving sensitive information, you may need court approval before accessing the documents.