Child witnesses may testify in a narrative form

Decision: 

Parenthetically, under Sections 19 to 21 of the Rule on Examination of a Child Witness which took effect on December 15, 2000, child witnesses may testify in a narrative form and leading questions may be allowed by the trial court in all stages of the examination if the same will further the interest of justice. Objections to questions should be couched in a manner so as not to mislead, confuse, frighten and intimidate the child:

Sec. 19.  Mode of questioning. – The court shall exercise control over the questioning of children so as to (1) facilitate the ascertainment of the truth, (2) ensure that questions are stated in a form appropriate to the developmental level of the child, (3) protect children from harassment or undue embarrassment, and (4) avoid waste of time.

The court may allow the child witness to testify in a narrative form.

Citation: People of the Philippines vs Kakingcio Cañete, G.R. No. 142930, March 28, 2003

Topic: Child Witness Examination Rule, Child Witnesses, Examination of Witnesses, Testimony in a Narrative Form