Pending issuance of Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) internal guidelines on the conduct of videoconference hearings (VCH) at the Philippine Foreign Service Posts[1] (FSPs), the DFA will be implementing Supreme Court-OCA Circular No. 133A-2021 dated 7 December 2021 regarding Guidelines on the Conduct of Videoconferencing with respect to Remote Appearance from Abroad through its FSPs across the globe. Please note that the conduct of VCH as FSPs is only to the extent allowed by the laws and regulations of the host country, taking into account the provisions of the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations and the administrative and logistical constraints of the FSP.

Pursuant to Part IV of Supreme Court A.M. Matter 20-12-01-SC dated 9 December 2020, the approval of the concerned FSP for the use of its facilities is an additional requirement to the motion that shall be filed by litigants interested to avail of videoconferencing. As such, it is advised that, prior to the filing of the motion to conduct VCH at the FSP, interested litigants and/or their counsel should coordinate with the concerned Embassy/Consulate to secure the applicable guidelines and request permission to use the Embassy/Consulate facilities for the videoconference hearing.

Guidelines on the Conduct of VCH at the Philippine Embassy in Rome

Submit a letter of request to conduct VCH to the Philippine Embassy in Rome through email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., copy furnished DFA-Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., addressed to the Consul General and indicate the following:

a. Nature of the case;

b. Proposed date and time. The time should be during the Embassy’s office hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or:

● March 31 to October 27 from 3:00 PM onwards Philippine Time

● October 29 to March 30 from 4:00 PM onwards Philippine Time

c. Name, nationality and contact details of the witness

d. That the witness undertakes to pay the venue fee on or before the hearing date, prepare the necessary video-audio equipment and internet connection, and comply with health and security measures.

The Embassy shall reply to the requesting party through email within three (3) working days on the acceptability of the proposed schedule.

The copy of the Order from the concerned court granting the VCH shall be submitted as soon as available through email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., copy furnished This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Important Note:

● Only the person/s appearing before the VCH shall be allowed inside the Embassy premises.

● The person/s personal email address shall be used in joining the VCH.

[1] Philippine Embassies or Consulates except Honorary Consulates