Manila, May 8 -- The Philippines has deposited its instrument of accession to the Hague Evidence Convention, marking a significant step towards enhancing the administration of justice in the country.

The Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) Evidence Convention, formally known as the 1970 Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters, establishes a framework for obtaining evidence available in one country for use in judicial proceedings in another country.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed on April 21 the instrument of accession to the Convention, which, he said, would "streamline evidence collection techniques, reduce party litigants' expenses, address court delays and enhance the comp...