Amidst the pandemic, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Camarines Norte successfully launched its “Virtual Court Hearing” to improve the efficiency of the DAR’s legal proceedings through a videoconference hearing.
Despite the threat of CoVid-19, DAR-Camarines Norte Provincial Agrarian Reform Adjudicator (PARAD) Office cannot afford to delay the delivery of agrarian justice as the old legal dictum says, “justice delayed is justice denied.” Atty. Antonio Ricardo P. Tejada, DAR Camarines Norte provincial adjudicator believes that the resolutions of disputes have deeper implications as it would preempt the outburst of possible trouble among the stakeholders who are at odds with each other. The conduct of virtual court hearing ensures speedy resolution of agrarian related cases during this pandemic, and comply with the government’s social distancing guidelines.
“We are now in the new normal era, advance technology is inevitable, we have no other choice but to adapt, expect more from technology and less from us,” he added.
Atty Tejada made it clear that the virtual court hearing works like the usual court hearing, but instead of appearing to court, counsels of both parties are made to appear through videoconferencing. In case the client opts for a traditional way of hearing due to some valid reasons, the office will set a separate schedule for the request. “Due to community quarantine, restrained movements and travels outside the province are prohibited. In my case, I have to work from home and hear cases from home, while PARAD Office staff are in the office assisting the counsels during the virtual hearing,” said Atty. Tejada.
“This is the first time in Bicol Region that PARAD office has moved to a virtual court, to ensure they continue to provide the delivery of agrarian justice and due process during these challenging times. The office is in support of this digital transformation and will to provide the adjudicator’s office the equipment needed for the new trend in legal proceedings,” said Roseller R. Olayres, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II of Camarines Norte.”
DAR-Camarines Norte is the first to conduct virtual court hearing in the entire Bicol Region last May 26, 2020. Aside from virtual court hearing, PARAD Office of Camarines Norte encourages its clientele to electronic-filing of petitions, manifestation, and other legal documents. Other concerns and queries may also be course through their official electronic mail (email) account at paradcamnorte@gmail.com.
Camarines Norte News,
