The Philippine National Police (PNP) has officially rolled out new protocols for handling social media evidence in criminal investigations. This major shift follows the Supreme Court's release of specific legal guideposts for proving ownership or control of online accounts.
New Guidelines for the Digital Age
In a press release issued on Sunday, December 28, 2025, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. announced the adoption of these guidelines. He stated that the Supreme Court's framework will significantly aid investigators in authenticating digital evidence and building stronger legal cases. "For ongoing investigations, we will review digital evidence carefully, while future cases will be handled more systematically and transparently when it comes to social media posts," Nartatez explained.
The Supreme Court's move came after it upheld the conviction of a man found guilty of repeatedly harassing his ex-girlfriend on Facebook. To prevent miscarriages of justice, the high court outlined seven key guideposts for evaluating digital evidence. These include establishing authorship of posts, proving access to the account in question, analyzing language patterns, conducting device forensics, and checking the consistency of online activity.
Strengthening Public Trust in Justice
Nartatez emphasized that these guidelines reinforce due process in the digital era. "Now, a person can no longer be easily convicted based solely on a screenshot or post that may be fake or hacked," he said. "It ensures that law enforcement and the courts follow clear procedures, which strengthens public trust in our justice system." This development marks a critical step in adapting the Philippine legal system to the complexities of cybercrime and online interactions.
To implement these changes, the PNP chief has directed all police units to integrate the Supreme Court's guideposts into their standard operating procedures. Simultaneously, the force's cybercrime units are being equipped with advanced tools to better trace and preserve online evidence. The PNP is also fostering closer collaboration with major social media platforms to expedite account verification processes.
A Call for Responsible Public Reporting
Lt. Gen. Nartatez also took the opportunity to advise the public on properly reporting online crimes. He urged citizens not to take matters into their own hands. "Remember, do not try to hack or access accounts yourself. Just report the matter to the nearest police station or through our Anti-Cybercrime Group," he cautioned. This directive aims to ensure that evidence is collected legally and remains admissible in court, supporting the new systematic approach to digital investigations.
