A New Era of E-Filing: Supreme Court Issues 2025 Transitory Rules on Electronic Filing and Service

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has approved the 2025 Transitory Rules on Electronic Filing and Service in the Supreme Court (A.M. No. 25-09-16-SC), set to take effect on October 30, 2025. This landmark issuance marks a pivotal step in modernizing court processes through the full adoption of electronic filing and service via the Philippine Judiciary Platform’s eCourt PH application.

These rules are designed to simplify, digitalize, and streamline litigation procedures in line with the judiciary’s strategic shift toward a technology-driven justice system.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Transitory Rules

1. Full Digital Filing in the Supreme Court

• Effective October 30, 2025, all pleadings, motions, annexes, and other papers filed before the Supreme Court must be submitted electronically.

• Physical (paper) submissions will be accepted only in exceptional cases specified under the rules.

• This eliminates the old dual-submission requirement under A.M. No. 10-4-20-SC, cutting costs and time spent on printing and delivery.

  
  

New Practice: Only one (1) digital file per pleading or motion will be uploaded, following the prescribed digital format.

2. Mandatory Use of the eCourt PH Platform

All members of the Philippine Bar are automatically registered as “covered filers” and are required to use the eCourt PH platform for:

• Electronic filing of pleadings and motions

• Electronic service of court documents

• Receipt of notices and resolutions

  
  

Bar membership verification by the Office of the Bar Confidant is integrated to ensure secure access and authenticity.

3. Digital File Format Requirements

Under Rule II, strict digital formatting standards apply:

• Pleadings must be single-spaced, 14-point font, and 8.5 x 13 inches (long bond).

• Files must be in PDF/A format and not exceed 100 MB each.

• Scanned documents must be clear, legible, and approximate original size.

• Audio and video evidence may also be submitted electronically if they comply with metadata and file-size rules.

Files with password protection, encryption, or corrupted data will not be accepted and will be excluded from the case rollo.

4. Electronic Service and Notifications

Under Rule VI:

• Service of court documents—including pleadings, motions, and notices—shall be made electronically through the eCourt PH application.

• All counsels of record will automatically receive electronic copies via their registered official email addresses.

• The eCourt system’s date and time stamps will determine official filing and service times.

What’s new: Parties will now receive real-time electronic notifications of court actions, reducing delays and ensuring due process.

5. Non-Covered Filers: Exceptions

The rules recognize that not all litigants can file electronically. Non-covered filers include:

• Individuals who are not members of the Philippine Bar

• Amici curiae and others authorized by the Court

These parties may still file via registered mail, accredited courier, or personal filing. However, if represented by a lawyer, their counsel must comply with e-filing requirements.

6. Transitional Provisions

• The Transition Guidelines (A.M. No. 25-5-16-SC) remain in effect until October 29, 2025.

• Starting October 30, 2025, the exclusive mode of filing and service in the Supreme Court will be electronic, except for excluded cases.

• Docketed documents issued after effectivity will be electronically available to covered filers.

7. Disciplinary and Technical Safeguards

• Non-compliance with formatting rules or misuse of the system may lead to disciplinary sanctions.

• The rules provide remedies for technical difficulties, such as upload failures or system errors, through the Judicial Records Office and eCourt PH Helpdesk.

What This Means for Practitioners and Litigants

The 2025 Transitory Rules signal the full digital transformation of the Supreme Court. For practitioners and law firms, this means:

• Greater efficiency and cost reduction

• Improved accountability and traceability

• Faster service of orders and resolutions

• Reduced paper waste and court congestion

While adjustments may be needed for older cases, this initiative represents a major step toward a modern judiciary.

Final Thoughts

The Supreme Court’s approval of A.M. No. 25-09-16-SC signals a bold transformation in Philippine court practice. By October 2025, the Court will operate in an environment where digital literacy is mandatory.

For practitioners, the key is preparation—mastering the technical and procedural aspects of e-filing to ensure compliance.

Firms that adapt early will not only comply—they will lead in the era of digital justice.

A.M.-No.-25-09-16-SC.pdf

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