SC: Photocopies, electronic copies of documents admissible as evidence

A duplicate or photocopy of original documents, whether in print or electronic form, is admissible as evidence in court as long as there is no genuine question on the original’s authenticity.

- By REY G. PANALIGAN

“A photocopy, being a duplicate, is admissible to the same extent as the original absent any genuine question as to the authenticity of the original or a showing that it is unjust or inequitable to admit the duplicate in lieu of the original,” the Supreme Court (SC) said.

It said the use of duplicate or photocopy of original documents is allowed under Rule 130, Section 4(c) of the 2019 Revised Rules on Evidence.