Text of the provision
Sec. 19. Classes of documents. — For the purpose of their presentation in evidence, documents are either public or private. Public documents are: (a) The written official acts, or records of the sovereign authority, official bodies and tribunals, and public officers, whether of the Philippines, or of a foreign country; (b) Documents acknowledged before a notary public except last wills and testaments; (c) Documents that are considered public documents under treaties and conventions which are in force between the Philippines and the country of source; and (d) Public records, kept in the Philippines, of private documents required by law to be entered therein. All other writings are private. Sec. 20. Proof of private document. — Before any private document offered as authentic is received in evidence, its due execution and authenticity must be proved either: (a) By anyone who saw the document executed or written; or (b) By evidence of the genuineness of the signature or handwriting of the maker. Any other private document need only be identified as that which it is claimed to be.
2019 Revised Rules on Evidence (A.M. No. 19-08-15-SC), Rule 132, Section 19. Reproduced verbatim and verified against the Supreme Court's official published text and the ChanRobles rendering.
About this section
This is Section 19 of Rule 132 (PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE A. EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES REVISED RULES ON EVIDENCE 2019 AMENDMENTS SECTION 1. Examination to be done in open court. — The examination of witnesses presented in a trial or hearing shall be done in open court, and under oath or affirmation. Unless the witness is incapacitated to speak, or the questions calls for a different mode of answer, the answers of the witness shall be given orally. (1a)) of the 2019 Revised Rules on Evidence, the rules promulgated by the Supreme Court in A.M. No. 19-08-15-SC and in force since May 1, 2020. The text above is reproduced verbatim from the current rules.
Related provisions
- Section 18 — Right to inspect writing shown to witness.
- Section 20 — Proof of private document[s].
Cases citing this section
- Authorities on this section will be added here as each is verified against primary sources.