RepublicofthePhilippines

SUPREMECOURT
Manila

A.M.NO.00407SCNovember21,2000
RULEONEXAMINATIONOFACHILDWITNESS
Section1. ApplicabilityoftheRule. Unlessotherwiseprovided,thisRuleshallgovernthe
examinationofchildwitnesseswhoarevictimsofcrime,accusedofacrime,andwitnessesto
crime.Itshallapplyinallcriminalproceedingsandnoncriminalproceedingsinvolvingchild
witnesses.
Section2. Objectives. TheobjectivesofthisRulearetocreateandmaintainanenvironment
thatwillallowchildrentogivereliableandcompleteevidence,minimizetraumatochildren,
encouragechildrentotestifyinlegalproceedings,andfacilitatetheascertainmentoftruth.
Section3.ConstructionoftheRule.ThisRuleshallbeliberallyconstruedtoupholdthebest
interests of the child and to promote maximum accommodation of child witnesses without
prejudicetotheconstitutionalrightsoftheaccused.
Section4.Definitions.
(a)A"childwitness"isanypersonwhoatthetimeofgivingtestimonyisbelowtheage
ofeighteen(18)years.Inchildabusecases,achildincludesoneovereighteen(18)years
butisfoundbythecourtasunabletofullytakecareofhimselforprotecthimselffrom
abuse,neglect,cruelty,exploitation,ordiscriminationbecauseofaphysicalormental
disabilityorcondition.
(b)"Childabuse"meansphysical,psychological,orsexualabuse,andcriminalneglectas
definedinRepublicActNo.7610andotherrelatedlaws.
(c)"Facilitator"meansapersonappointedbythecourttoposequestionstoachild.
(d)"Recordregardingachild"or"record"meansanyphotograph,videotape,audiotape,
film,handwriting,typewriting,printing,electronicrecording,computerdataorprintout,
or other memorialization, including any court document, pleading, or any copy or
reproductionofanyoftheforegoing,thatcontainsthename,description,address,school,
or any other personal identifyinginformation about a childor his familyandthat is
producedormaintainedbyapublicagency,privateagency,orindividual.
(e)A"guardianadlitem"isapersonappointedbythecourtwherethecaseispendingfor
achildwhoisavictimof,accusedof,orawitnesstoacrimetoprotectthebestinterests
ofthesaidchild.
(f)A"supportperson"isapersonchosenbythechildtoaccompanyhimtotestifyator
attendajudicialproceedingordepositiontoprovideemotionalsupportforhim.

(g)"Bestinterestsofthechild"meansthetotalityofthecircumstancesandconditionsas
aremostcongenialtothesurvival,protection,andfeelingsofsecurityofthechildand
most encouraging to his physical, psychological, and emotional development. It also
means the least detrimental available alternative for safeguarding the growth and
developmentofthechild.
(h)"Developmentallevel"referstothespecificgrowthphaseinwhichmostindividuals
areexpectedtobehaveandfunctioninrelationtotheadvancementoftheirphysical,
socioemotional,cognitive,andmoralabilities.
(i) "Indepth investigative interview" or "disclosure interview" is an inquiry or
proceeding conducted by duly trained members of a multidisciplinary team or
representatives of law enforcement or child protective services for the purpose of
determiningwhetherchildabusehasbeencommitted.
Section5.Guardianadlitem.
(a)Thecourtmayappointaguardianadlitemforachildwhoisavictimof,accusedof,
or a witness to a crime to promote the best interests of the child. In making the
appointment,thecourtshallconsiderthebackgroundoftheguardianadlitemandhis
familiarity withthe judicial process, social service programs, andchilddevelopment,
givingpreferencetotheparentsofthechild,ifqualified.Theguardianadlitemmaybea
memberofthePhilippineBar.Apersonwhoisawitnessinanyproceedinginvolvingthe
childcannotbeappointedasaguardianadlitem.
(b)Theguardianadlitem:
(1) Shall attendall interviews, depositions, hearings, and trial proceedings in
whichachildparticipates;
(2)Shallmakerecommendationstothecourtconcerningthewelfareofthechild;
(3) Shall have access to all reports, evaluations, and records necessary to
effectivelyadvocateforthechild,exceptprivilegedcommunications;
(4)Shallmarshalandcoordinatethedeliveryofresourcesandspecialservicesto
thechild;
(5)Shallexplain,inlanguageunderstandabletothechild,alllegalproceedings,
includingpoliceinvestigations,inwhichthechildisinvolved;
(6)Shallassistthechildandhisfamilyincopingwiththeemotionaleffectsof
crimeandsubsequentcriminalornoncriminalproceedingsinwhichthechildis
involved;
(7)Mayremainwiththechildwhilethechildwaitstotestify;
(8)Mayinterviewwitnesses;and
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(9) May request additional examinations by medical or mental health

professionalsifthereisacompellingneedtherefor.
(c)Theguardianadlitemshallbenotifiedofallproceedingsbutshallnotparticipatein
thetrial.However,hemayfilemotionspursuanttosections9,10,25,26,27and31(c).If
theguardianadlitemisalawyer,hemayobjectduringtrialthatquestionsaskedofthe
childarenotappropriatetohisdevelopmentallevel.
(d)Theguardianadlitemmaycommunicateconcernsregardingthechildtothecourt
throughanofficerofthecourtdesignatedforthatpurpose.
(e)Theguardianadlitemshallnottestifyinanyproceedingconcerninganyinformation,
statement,oropinionreceivedfromthechildinthecourseofservingasaguardianad
litem,unlessthecourtfindsitnecessarytopromotethebestinterestsofthechild.
(f)Theguardianadlitemshallbepresumedtohaveactedingoodfaithincompliance
withhisdutiesdescribedinsubsection(b).
Section6.Competency.Everychildispresumedqualifiedtobeawitness.However,thecourt
shallconductacompetencyexaminationofachild,motupropriooronmotionofaparty,whenit
finds that substantial doubt exists regarding the ability of the child to perceive, remember,
communicate,distinguishtruthfromfalsehood,orappreciatethedutytotellthetruthincourt.
(a)Proofofnecessity.Apartyseekingacompetencyexaminationmustpresentproofof
necessityofcompetencyexamination.Theageofthechildbyitselfisnotasufficient
basisforacompetencyexamination.
(b) Burdenofproof.Torebutthepresumptionofcompetenceenjoyedbyachild,the
burdenofproofliesonthepartychallenginghiscompetence.
(c)Personsallowedatcompetencyexamination.Onlythefollowingareallowedtoattend
acompetencyexamination:
(1)Thejudgeandnecessarycourtpersonnel;
(2)Thecounselfortheparties;
(3)Theguardianadlitem;
(4)Oneormoresupportpersonsforthechild;and
(5) The defendant, unless the court determines that competence can be fully
evaluatedinhisabsence.
(d) Conduct of examination. Examination of a child as to his competence shall be
conductedonlybythejudge.Counselfortheparties,however,cansubmitquestionsto
thejudgethathemay,inhisdiscretion,askthechild.

(e) Developmentally appropriate questions. The questions asked at the competency

examinationshallbeappropriatetotheageanddevelopmentallevelofthechild;shallnot
berelatedtotheissuesattrial;andshallfocusontheabilityofthechildtoremember,
communicate,distinguishbetweentruthandfalsehood,andappreciatethedutytotestify
truthfully.
(f) Continuing duty to assess competence. The court has the duty of continuously
assessingthecompetenceofthechildthroughouthistestimony.
Section7.Oathoraffirmation.Beforetestifying,achildshalltakeanoathoraffirmationtotell
thetruth.
Section8.Examinationofachildwitness.Theexaminationofachildwitnesspresentedina
hearingoranyproceedingshallbedoneinopencourt.Unlessthewitnessisincapacitatedto
speak,orthequestioncallsforadifferentmodeofanswer,theanswersofthewitnessshallbe
givenorally.
Thepartywhopresentsachildwitnessortheguardianadlitemofsuchchildwitnessmay,
however,movethecourttoallowhimtotestifyinthemannerprovidedinthisRule.
Section9.Interpreterforchild.
(a)WhenachilddoesnotunderstandtheEnglishorFilipinolanguageorisunableto
communicateinsaidlanguagesduetohisdevelopmentallevel,fear,shyness,disability,
or other similar reason, an interpreter whom the child can understand and who
understandsthechildmaybeappointedbythecourt,motupropriooruponmotion,to
interpretforthechild.
(b)Ifawitnessormemberofthefamilyofthechildistheonlypersonwhocanserveas
aninterpreterforthechild,heshallnotbedisqualifiedandmayserveastheinterpreterof
thechild.Theinterpreter,however,whoisalsoawitness,shalltestifyaheadofthechild.
(c) An interpreter shall take an oath or affirmation to make a true and accurate
interpretation.
Section10.Facilitatortoposequestionstochild.
(a)Thecourtmay,motupropriooruponmotion,appointafacilitatorifitdeterminesthat
thechildisunabletounderstandorrespondtoquestionsasked.Thefacilitatormaybea
child psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, guidance counselor, teacher, religious
leader,parent,orrelative.
(b)Ifthecourtappointsafacilitator,therespectivecounselsforthepartiesshallpose
questionstothechildonlythroughthefacilitator.Thequestionsshalleitherbeinthe
wordsusedbycounselor,ifthechildisnotlikelytounderstandthesame,inwordsthat
arecomprehensibletothechildandwhichconveythemeaningintendedbycounsel.

(c) The facilitator shall take an oath or affirmation to pose questions to the child
accordingtothemeaningintendedbycounsel.
Section11.Supportpersons.
(a)Achildtestifyingatajudicialproceedingormakingadepositionshallhavetheright
tobeaccompaniedbyoneortwopersonsofhisownchoosingtoprovidehimemotional
support.
(1)Bothsupportpersonsshallremainwithintheviewofthechildduringhis
testimony.
(2)Oneofthesupportpersonsmayaccompanythechildtothewitnessstand,
providedthesupportpersondoesnotcompletelyobscurethechildfromtheview
oftheopposingparty,judge,orhearingofficer.
(3)Thecourtmayallowthesupportpersontoholdthehandofthechildortake
otherappropriatestepstoprovideemotionalsupporttothechildinthecourseof
theproceedings.
(4)Thecourtshallinstructthesupportpersonsnottoprompt,sway,orinfluence
thechildduringhistestimony.
(b)Ifthesupportpersonchosenbythechildisalsoawitness,thecourtmaydisapprove
thechoiceifitissufficientlyestablishedthattheattendanceofthesupportpersonduring
thetestimonyofthechildwouldposeasubstantialriskofinfluencingoraffectingthe
contentofthetestimonyofthechild.
(c)Ifthesupportpersonwhoisalsoawitnessisallowedbythecourt,histestimonyshall
bepresentedaheadofthetestimonyofthechild.
Section12.Waitingareaforchildwitnesses.Thecourtsareencouragedtoprovideawaiting
areaforchildrenthatisseparatefromwaitingareasusedbyotherpersons.Thewaitingareafor
childrenshouldbefurnishedsoastomakeachildcomfortable.
Section13.Courtroomenvironment.Tocreateamorecomfortableenvironmentforthechild,
thecourtmay,initsdiscretion,directandsupervisethelocation,movementanddeportmentofall
personsinthecourtroomincludingtheparties,theircounsel,child,witnesses,supportpersons,
guardianadlitem,facilitator,andcourtpersonnel.Thechildmaybeallowedtotestifyfroma
placeotherthanthewitnesschair.Thewitnesschairorotherplacefromwhichthechildtestifies
maybeturnedtofacilitatehistestimonybuttheopposingpartyandhiscounselmusthavea
frontalorprofileviewofthechildduringthetestimonyofthechild.Thewitnesschairorother
placefromwhichthechildtestifiesmayalsoberearrangedtoallowthechildtoseetheopposing
partyandhiscounsel,ifhechoosestolookatthem,withoutturninghisbodyorleavingthe
witnessstand.Thejudgeneednotwearhisjudicialrobe.
Nothing in this section or any other provision of law, except official incourt identification
provisions,shallbeconstruedtorequireachildtolookattheaccused.
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Accommodationsforthechildunderthissectionneednotbesupportedbyafindingoftraumato
thechild.
Section14.Testimonyduringappropriatehours.Thecourtmayorderthatthetestimonyofthe
childshouldbetakenduringatimeofdaywhenthechildiswellrested.
Section15.Recessduringtestimony.
Thechildmaybeallowedreasonableperiodsofreliefwhileundergoingdirect,cross,redirect,
andrecrossexaminationsasoftenasnecessarydependingonhisdevelopmentallevel.
Section16.Testimonialaids.Thecourtshallpermitachildtousedolls,anatomicallycorrect
dolls,puppets,drawings,mannequins,oranyotherappropriatedemonstrativedevicetoassisthim
inhistestimony.
Section17.Emotionalsecurityitem.Whiletestifying,achildshallbeallowedtohaveanitem
ofhisownchoosingsuchasablanket,toy,ordoll.
Section18. Approachingthewitness. Thecourtmayprohibitacounselfromapproachinga
childifitappearsthatthechildisfearfuloforintimidatedbythecounsel.
Section19. Modeofquestioning. The court shall exercise control over the questioningof
childrensoasto(1)facilitatetheascertainmentofthetruth,(2)ensurethatquestionsarestatedin
aformappropriatetothedevelopmentallevelofthechild,(3)protectchildrenfromharassment
orundueembarrassment,and(4)avoidwasteoftime.
Thecourtmayallowthechildwitnesstotestifyinanarrativeform.
Section 20. Leading questions. The court may allow leading questions in all stages of
examinationofachildifthesamewillfurthertheinterestsofjustice.
Section21.Objectionstoquestions.Objectionstoquestionsshouldbecouchedinamannerso
asnottomislead,confuse,frighten,orintimidatethechild.
Section22.Corroboration.Corroborationshallnotberequiredofatestimonyofachild.His
testimony,ifcrediblebyitself,shallbesufficienttosupportafindingoffact,conclusion,or
judgmentsubjecttothestandardofproofrequiredincriminalandnoncriminalcases.
Section23. Excludingthepublic. Whenachildtestifies,thecourtmayordertheexclusion
fromthecourtroomofallpersons,includingmembersofthepress,whodonothaveadirect
interestinthecase.Suchanordermaybemadetoprotecttherighttoprivacyofthechildorifthe
court determines on the record that requiring the child to testify in open court would cause
psychological harm to him, hinder the ascertainment of truth, or result in his inability to
effectivelycommunicateduetoembarrassment,fear,ortimidity.Inmakingitsorder,thecourt
shallconsiderthedevelopmentallevelofthechild,thenatureofthecrime,thenatureofhis
testimonyregardingthecrime,hisrelationshiptotheaccusedandtopersonsattendingthetrial,
his desires, and the interests of his parents or legal guardian. The court may, motu proprio,
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excludethepublicfromthecourtroomiftheevidencetobeproducedduringtrialisofsuch
characterastobeoffensivetodecencyorpublicmorals.Thecourtmayalso,onmotionofthe
accused,excludethepublicfromtrial,exceptcourtpersonnelandthecounseloftheparties.
Section24.Personsprohibitedfromenteringandleavingcourtroom.Thecourtmayorderthat
personsattendingthetrialshallnotenterorleavethecourtroomduringthetestimonyofthechild.
Section25. Livelinktelevisiontestimonyincriminalcaseswherethechildisavictimora
witness.
(a)Theprosecutor,counselortheguardianadlitemmayapplyforanorderthatthe
testimonyofthechildbetakeninaroomoutsidethecourtroomandbetelevisedtothe
courtroombylivelinktelevision.
Beforetheguardianadlitemappliesforanorderunderthissection,heshallconsultthe
prosecutor or counsel and shall defer to the judgment of the prosecutor or counsel
regarding the necessity of applying for an order. In case the guardian ad ltiem is
convincedthatthedecisionoftheprosecutororcounselnottoapplywillcausethechild
seriousemotionaltrauma,hehimselfmayapplyfortheorder.
Thepersonseekingsuchanordershallapplyatleastfive(5)daysbeforethetrialdate,
unlessthecourtfindsontherecordthattheneedforsuchanorderwasnotreasonably
foreseeable.
(b)Thecourtmaymotupropriohearanddetermine,withnoticetotheparties,theneed
fortakingthetestimonyofthechildthroughlivelinktelevision.
(c)Thejudgemayquestionthechildinchambers,orinsomecomfortableplaceother
thanthecourtroom,inthepresenceofthesupportperson,guardianadlitem,prosecutor,
andcounselfortheparties.Thequestionsofthejudgeshallnotberelatedtotheissuesat
trialbuttothefeelingsofthechildabouttestifyinginthecourtroom.
(d)Thejudgemayexcludeanyperson,includingtheaccused,whosepresenceorconduct
causesfeartothechild.
(e)Thecourtshallissueanordergrantingordenyingtheuseoflivelinktelevisionand
statingthereasonstherefor.Itshallconsiderthefollowingfactors:
(1)Theageandlevelofdevelopmentofthechild;
(2)Hisphysicalandmentalhealth,includinganymentalorphysicaldisability;
(3)Anyphysical,emotional,orpsychologicalinjuryexperiencedbyhim;
(4)Thenatureoftheallegedabuse;
(5)Anythreatsagainstthechild;

(6)Hisrelationshipwiththeaccusedoradverseparty;
(7)Hisreactiontoanypriorencounterswiththeaccusedincourtorelsewhere;
(8)Hisreactionpriortotrialwhenthetopicoftestifyingwasdiscussedwithhim
byparentsorprofessionals;
(9) Specific symptoms of stress exhibited by the child in the days prior to
testifying;
(10)Testimonyofexpertorlaywitnesses;
(11)Thecustodialsituationofthechildandtheattitudeofthemembersofhis
familyregardingtheeventsaboutwhichhewilltestify;and
(12)Otherrelevantfactors,suchascourtatmosphereandformalitiesofcourt
procedure.
(f)Thecourtmayorderthatthetestimonyofthechildbetakenbylivelinktelevisionif
thereisasubstantiallikelihoodthatthechildwouldsuffertraumafromtestifyinginthe
presenceoftheaccused,hiscounselortheprosecutorasthecasemaybe.Thetrauma
mustbeofakindwhichwouldimpairthecompletenessortruthfulnessofthetestimony
ofthechild.
(g)Ifthecourtordersthetakingoftestimonybylivelinktelevision:
(1)Thechildshalltestifyinaroomseparatefromthecourtroominthepresence
oftheguardianadlitem;oneorbothofhissupportpersons;thefacilitatorand
interpreter,ifany;acourtofficerappointedbythecourt;personsnecessaryto
operate the closedcircuit television equipment; and other persons whose
presencearedeterminedbythecourttobenecessarytothewelfareandwell
beingofthechild;
(2)Thejudge,prosecutor,accused,andcounselforthepartiesshallbeinthe
courtroom.Thetestimonyofthechildshallbetransmittedbylivelinktelevision
intothecourtroomforviewingandhearingbythejudge,prosecutor,counselfor
theparties,accused,victim,andthepublicunlessexcluded.
(3)Ifitisnecessaryforthechildtoidentifytheaccusedattrial,thecourtmay
allowthechildtoenterthecourtroomforthelimitedpurposeofidentifyingthe
accused,orthecourtmayallowthechildtoidentifytheaccusedbyobservingthe
imageofthelatteronatelevisionmonitor.
(4) The court may set other conditions and limitations on the taking of the
testimonythatitfindsjustandappropriate,takingintoconsiderationthebest
interestsofthechild.

(h)Thetestimonyofthechildshallbepreservedonvideotape,digitaldisc,orother
similardeviceswhichshallbemadepartofthecourtrecordandshallbesubjecttoa
protectiveorderasprovidedinsection31(b).
Section26.Screens,onewaymirrors,andotherdevicestoshieldchildfromaccused.
(a)Theprosecutorortheguardianadlitemmayapplyforanorderthatthechairofthe
childorthatascreenorotherdevicebeplacedinthecourtroominsuchamannerthatthe
childcannotseetheaccusedwhiletestifying.Beforetheguardianadlitemappliesforan
orderunderthissection,heshallconsultwiththeprosecutororcounselsubjecttothe
secondandthirdparagraphsofsection25(a)ofthisRule.Thecourtshallissueanorder
statingthereasonsanddescribingtheapprovedcourtroomarrangement.
(b)Ifthecourtgrantsanapplicationtoshieldthechildfromtheaccusedwhiletestifying
inthecourtroom,thecourtroomshallbearrangedtoenabletheaccusedtoviewthechild.
Section27.Videotapeddeposition.
(a)Theprosecutor,counsel,orguardianadlitemmayapplyforanorderthatadeposition
betakenofthetestimonyofthechildandthatitberecordedandpreservedonvideotape.
Beforetheguardianadlitemappliesforanorderunderthissection,heshallconsultwith
theprosecutororcounselsubjecttothesecondandthirdparagraphsofsection25(a).
(b)Ifthecourtfindsthatthechildwillnotbeabletotestifyinopencourtattrial,itshall
issueanorderthatthedepositionofthechildbetakenandpreservedbyvideotape.
(c) The judge shall preside at the videotaped deposition of a child. Objections to
depositiontestimonyorevidence,orpartsthereof,andthegroundsfortheobjectionshall
bestatedandshallberuleduponatthetimeofthetakingofthedeposition.Theother
personswhomaybepermittedtobepresentattheproceedingare:
(1)Theprosecutor;
(2)Thedefensecounsel;
(3)Theguardianadlitem;
(4)Theaccused,subjecttosubsection(e);
(5)Otherpersonswhosepresenceisdeterminedbythecourttobenecessaryto
thewelfareandwellbeingofthechild;
(6)Oneorbothofhissupportpersons,thefacilitatorandinterpreter,ifany;
(7)Thecourtstenographer;and
(8)Personsnecessarytooperatethevideotapeequipment.

(d)Therightsoftheaccusedduringtrial,especiallytherighttocounselandtoconfront
andcrossexaminethechild,shallnotbeviolatedduringthedeposition.
(e)Iftheorderofthecourtisbasedonevidencethatthechildisunabletotestifyinthe
physicalpresenceoftheaccused,thecourtmaydirectthelattertobeexcludedfromthe
roominwhichthedepositionisconducted.Incaseofexclusionoftheaccused,thecourt
shallorderthatthetestimonyofthechildbetakenbylivelinktelevisioninaccordance
withsection25ofthisRule.Iftheaccusedisexcludedfromthedeposition,itisnot
necessarythatthechildbeabletoviewanimageoftheaccused.
(f) The videotaped deposition shall be preserved and stenographically recorded. The
videotapeandthestenographicnotesshallbetransmittedtotheclerkofthecourtwhere
thecaseispendingforsafekeepingandshallbemadeapartoftherecord.
(g)Thecourtmaysetotherconditionsonthetakingofthedepositionthatitfindsjustand
appropriate,takingintoconsiderationthebestinterestsofthechild,theconstitutional
rightsoftheaccused,andotherrelevantfactors.
(h)Thevideotapeddepositionandstenographicnotesshallbesubjecttoaprotective
orderasprovidedinsection31(b).
(i)If,atthetimeoftrial,thecourtfindsthatthechildisunabletotestifyforareason
statedinsection25(f)ofthisRule,orisunavailableforanyreasondescribedinsection
4(c),Rule23ofthe1997RulesofCivilProcedure,thecourtmayadmitintoevidencethe
videotapeddepositionofthechildinlieuofhistestimonyatthetrial.Thecourtshall
issueanorderstatingthereasonstherefor.
(j)Aftertheoriginalvideotapingbutbeforeorduringtrial,anypartymayfileanymotion
foradditionalvideotapingonthegroundofnewlydiscoveredevidence.Thecourtmay
orderanadditionalvideotapeddepositiontoreceivethenewlydiscoveredevidence.
Section28.Hearsayexceptioninchildabusecases.Astatementmadebyachilddescribing
anyactorattemptedactofchildabuse,nototherwiseadmissibleunderthehearsayrule,maybe
admittedinevidenceinanycriminalornoncriminalproceedingsubjecttothefollowingrules:
(a)Beforesuchhearsaystatementmaybeadmitted,itsproponentshallmakeknownto
theadversepartytheintentiontooffersuchstatementanditsparticularstoprovidehima
fairopportunitytoobject.Ifthechildisavailable,thecourtshall,uponmotionofthe
adverseparty,requirethechildtobepresentatthepresentationofthehearsaystatement
forcrossexaminationbytheadverseparty.Whenthechildisunavailable,thefactof
suchcircumstancemustbeprovedbytheproponent.
(b)Inrulingontheadmissibilityofsuchhearsaystatement,thecourtshallconsiderthe
time,contentandcircumstancesthereofwhichprovidesufficientindiciaofreliability.It
shallconsiderthefollowingfactors:
(1)Whetherthereisamotivetolie;

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(2)Thegeneralcharacterofthedeclarantchild;
(3)Whethermorethanonepersonheardthestatement;
(4)Whetherthestatementwasspontaneous;
(5)Thetimingofthestatementandtherelationshipbetweenthedeclarantchild
andwitness;
(6)Crossexaminationcouldnotshowthelackofknowledgeofthedeclarant
child;
(7)Thepossibilityoffaultyrecollectionofthedeclarantchildisremote;and
(8)Thecircumstancessurroundingthestatementaresuchthatthereisnoreason
tosupposethedeclarantchildmisrepresentedtheinvolvementoftheaccused.
(c)Thechildwitnessshallbeconsideredunavailableunderthefollowingsituations:
(1)Isdeceased,suffersfromphysicalinfirmity,lackofmemory,mentalillness,
orwillbeexposedtoseverepsychologicalinjury;or
(2)Isabsentfromthehearingandtheproponentofhisstatementhasbeenunable
toprocurehisattendancebyprocessorotherreasonablemeans.
(d)Whenthechildwitnessisunavailable,hishearsaytestimonyshallbeadmittedonlyif
corroboratedbyotheradmissibleevidence.
Section 29. Admissibilityof videotapedand audiotaped indepthinvestigative or disclosure
interviews in child abuse cases. The court may admit videotape and audiotape indepth
investigativeordisclosureinterviewsasevidence,underthefollowingconditions:
(a) The child witness is unable to testify in court on grounds and under conditions
establishedundersection28(c).
(b) The interview of the child was conducted by duly trained members of a
multidisciplinaryteamorrepresentativesoflawenforcementorchildprotectiveservices
in situations where child abuse is suspected so as to determine whether child abuse
occurred.
(c)Thepartyofferingthevideotapeoraudiotapemustprovethat:
(1)thevideotapeoraudiotapedisclosestheidentityofallindividualspresentand
atalltimesincludestheirimagesandvoices;

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(2)thestatementwasnotmadeinresponsetoquestioningcalculatedtoleadthe
childtomakeaparticularstatementorisclearlyshowntobethestatementofthe
childandnottheproductofimpropersuggestion;
(3) the videotape and audiotape machine or device was capable of recording
testimony;
(4)thepersonoperatingthedevicewascompetenttooperateit;
(5)thevideotapeoraudiotapeisauthenticandcorrect;and
(6)ithasbeendulypreserved.
Theindividualconductingtheinterviewofthechildshallbeavailableattrialforexaminationby
anyparty.Beforethevideotapeoraudiotapeisofferedinevidence,allpartiesshallbeaffordedan
opportunitytovieworlistentoitandshallbefurnishedacopyofawrittentranscriptofthe
proceedings.
Thefactthataninvestigativeinterviewisnotvideotapedoraudiotapedasrequiredbythissection
shallnotbyitselfconstituteabasistoexcludefromevidenceoutofcourtstatementsortestimony
ofthechild.Itmay,however,beconsideredindeterminingthereliabilityofthestatementsofthe
childdescribingabuse.
Section30.Sexualabuseshieldrule.
(a)Inadmissibleevidence.Thefollowingevidenceisnotadmissibleinanycriminal
proceedinginvolvingallegedchildsexualabuse:
(1)Evidenceofferedtoprovethattheallegedvictimengagedinothersexual
behavior;and
(2)Evidenceofferedtoprovethesexualpredispositionoftheallegedvictim.
(b)Exception.Evidenceofspecificinstancesofsexualbehaviorbytheallegedvictimto
provethatapersonotherthantheaccusedwasthesourceofsemen,injury,orother
physicalevidenceshallbeadmissible.
Apartyintendingtooffersuchevidencemust:
(1)Fileawrittenmotionatleastfifteen(15)daysbeforetrial,specificallydescribingthe
evidenceandstatingthepurposeforwhichitisoffered,unlessthecourt,forgoodcause,
requiresadifferenttimeforfilingorpermitsfilingduringtrial;and
(2)Servethemotiononallpartiesandtheguardianadlitematleastthree(3)daysbefore
thehearingofthemotion.

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Beforeadmittingsuchevidence,thecourtmustconductahearinginchambersandaffordthe
child,hisguardianadlitem,theparties,andtheircounselarighttoattendandbeheard.The
motionandtherecordofthehearingmustbesealedandremainundersealandprotectedbya
protectiveordersetforthinsection31(b).Thechildshallnotberequiredtotestifyatthehearing
inchambersexceptwithhisconsent.
Section31.Protectionofprivacyandsafety.
(a) Confidentialityofrecords.Anyrecordregardingachildshallbeconfidentialand
keptunderseal.Exceptuponwrittenrequestandorderofthecourt,arecordshallonlybe
releasedtothefollowing:
(1)Membersofthecourtstaffforadministrativeuse;
(2)Theprosecutingattorney;
(3)Defensecounsel;
(4)Theguardianadlitem;
(5)Agentsofinvestigatinglawenforcementagencies;and
(6)Otherpersonsasdeterminedbythecourt.
(b) Protectiveorder.Anyvideotapeoraudiotapeofachildthatispartofthecourt
recordshallbeunderaprotectiveorderthatprovidesasfollows:
(1)Tapesmaybeviewedonlybyparties,theircounsel,theirexpertwitness,and
theguardianadlitem.
(2)Notape,oranyportionthereof,shallbedivulgedbyanypersonmentionedin
subsection(a)toanyotherperson,exceptasnecessaryforthetrial.
(3)Nopersonshallbegrantedaccesstothetape,itstranscriptionoranypart
thereofunlesshesignsawrittenaffirmationthathehasreceivedandreadacopy
of the protective order; that he submits to the jurisdiction of the court with
respecttotheprotectiveorder;andthatincaseofviolationthereof,hewillbe
subjecttothecontemptpowerofthecourt.
(4) Each of the tape cassettes and transcripts thereof made available to the
parties,theircounsel,andrespectiveagentsshallbearthefollowingcautionary
notice:
"Thisobjectordocumentandthecontentsthereofaresubjecttoaprotective
order issued by the court in (case title) , (case number) . They shall not be
examined,inspected,read,viewed,orcopiedbyanyperson,ordisclosedtoany
person,exceptasprovidedintheprotectiveorder.Noadditionalcopiesofthe
tapeoranyofitsportionshallbemade,given,sold,orshowntoanyperson
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withoutpriorcourtorder.Anypersonviolatingsuchprotectiveorderissubjectto
thecontemptpowerofthecourtandotherpenaltiesprescribedbylaw."
(5) No tape shall be given, loaned, sold, or shown to any person except as
orderedbythecourt.
(6)Withinthirty(30)daysfromreceipt,allcopiesofthetapeandanytranscripts
thereofshallbereturnedtotheclerkofcourtforsafekeepingunlesstheperiodis
extendedbythecourtonmotionofaparty.
(7)Thisprotectiveordershallremaininfullforceandeffectuntilfurtherorderof
thecourt.
(c) Additionalprotectiveorders.Thecourtmay,motupropriooronmotionofany
party,thechild,hisparents,legalguardian,ortheguardianadlitem,issueadditional
orderstoprotecttheprivacyofthechild.
(d)Publicationofidentitycontemptuous.Whoeverpublishesorcausestobepublished
in any format the name, address, telephone number, school, or other identifying
informationofachildwhoisorisallegedtobeavictimoraccusedofacrimeora
witnessthereof,oranimmediatefamilyofthechildshallbeliabletothecontemptpower
ofthecourt.
(e) Physicalsafetyofchild;exclusionofevidence.Achildhasarightatanycourt
proceedingnottotestifyregardingpersonalidentifyinginformation,includinghisname,
address, telephone number, school, and other information that could endanger his
physical safety or his family. The court may, however, require the child to testify
regardingpersonalidentifyinginformationintheinterestofjustice.
(f) Destructionofvideotapesandaudiotapes.Anyvideotapeoraudiotapeofachild
producedundertheprovisionsofthisRuleorotherwisemadepartofthecourtrecord
shallbedestroyedafterfive(5)yearshaveelapsedfromthedateofentryofjudgment.
(g) Recordsofyouthfuloffender.Whereayouthfuloffenderhasbeenchargedbefore
anycityorprovincialprosecutororbeforeanymunicipaljudgeandthechargeshave
beenordereddropped,alltherecordsofthecaseshallbeconsideredasprivilegedand
maynotbediscloseddirectlyorindirectlytoanyoneforanypurposewhatsoever.
Whereayouthfuloffenderhasbeenchargedandthecourtacquitshim,ordismissesthecaseor
commitshimtoaninstitutionandsubsequentlyreleaseshimpursuanttoChapter3ofP.D.No.
603,alltherecordsofhiscaseshallalsobeconsideredasprivilegedandmaynotbedisclosed
directly or indirectly to anyone except to determine if a defendant may have his sentence
suspendedunder Article192of P. D. No. 603 or if he may be granted probationunder the
provisionsofP.D.No.968ortoenforcehiscivilliability,ifsaidliabilityhasbeenimposedin
thecriminalaction.Theyouthfuloffenderconcernedshallnotbeheldunderanyprovisionoflaw
to be guilty of perjury or of concealment or misrepresentation by reason of his failure to
acknowledgethecaseorreciteanyfactrelatedtheretoinresponsetoanyinquirymadetohimfor
anypurpose.

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"Records"withinthemeaningofthissubsectionshallincludethosewhichmaybeinthefilesof
the National Bureau of Investigation and with any police department or government agency
whichmayhavebeeninvolvedinthecase.(Art.200,P.D.No.603)
Section32.Applicabilityofordinaryrules.TheprovisionsoftheRulesofCourtondeposition,
conditionalexaminationofwitnesses,andevidenceshallbeappliedinasuppletorycharacter.
Section 33. Effectivity. This Rule shall take effect on December 15, 2000 following its
publicationintwo(2)newspapersofgeneralcirculation.

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