Almost two decades after its inception, the Supreme Court (SC) announced that the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) for lawyers will now be available online.

In an 11-page en banc resolution dated Nov. 26, 2019, the high court has approved the Rules and Regulations in the Conduct of MCLE Online.

“The onset of computer technology made it necessary to adopt current trends of learning and it is relevant with the changing times that an alternative mode of delivery of the MCLE be made available to members of the Bar through online and on-demand MCLE,” the Court said.

The court said the online MCLE, which has long been adopted and successfully implemented in other jurisdictions, would address the need for MCLE activities in the provinces, especially in far-flung areas where MCLE activities are few and far between, as well as for Filipino lawyers who are based abroad and would like to update their MCLE compliance.

Approved by the SC in 2001, MCLE is stipulated in Bar Matter No. 850 which requires members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to take continuing legal education to ensure that “they keep abreast with the law and jurisprudence, maintain the ethics of the profession and enhance the standards of the practice of law”.

Under this rule, lawyers must complete 36 hours of MCLE activities every three years.

The rules define the minimum requirements and responsibilities of accredited MCLE providers that are planning to conduct MCLE online, as well as the guidelines and minimum requirements for lawyers who want to avail themselves of the program online.

Under the rules, MCLE providers must incorporate authentication mechanisms to ensure the identity of the participant while viewing a course. Such authentication includes random snapshots, random video capturing and facial recognition software. (PNA)