Text of the provision
Sec. 20. Proof of private document[s]. — Before any private document offered as authentic is received in evidence, its due execution and authenticity must be proved by any of the following means: (a) By anyone who saw the document executed or written; (b) By evidence of the genuineness of the signature or handwriting of the maker[;] or (c) By other evidence showing its due execution and authenticity. Any other private document need only be identified as that which it is claimed to be. Sec. 21. When evidence of authenticity of private document not necessary. — Where a private document is more than thirty years old, is produced from the custody in which it would naturally be found if genuine, and is unblemished by any alterations or circumstances of suspicion, no other evidence of its authenticity need be given.
2019 Revised Rules on Evidence (A.M. No. 19-08-15-SC), Rule 132, Section 20. Reproduced verbatim and verified against the Supreme Court's official published text and the ChanRobles rendering.
About this section
This is Section 20 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 19 — Classes of documents.
- Section 21 — When evidence of authenticity of private document not necessary.
Cases citing this section
- Authorities on this section will be added here as each is verified against primary sources.