Welcoming the Children to the Court
Hon. Judge Barbara Aleli Hernandez-Briones of Family Court Branch 1, Caloocan City, warmly welcomed the participants to a special court orientation under the Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) on 02 April 2024. The event aimed to help children understand how the justice system works and prepare them emotionally and mentally for real courtroom experiences.
The session began with introductions from the Clerk of Court and other court staff, who explained their roles and shared their insights on handling cases involving children. Their presence created a reassuring sense of safety and trust for the young attendees.
A Striking Message on Truth and Evidence
Judge Hernandez-Briones focused on helping children grasp the importance of truth—and, more importantly, the evidence that upholds it in court. Speaking candidly in Filipino, she delivered a powerful message that resonated deeply with both the children and their guardians:
“Siguro kayo menedikal examination ng doctor lalo na yung private part kung ano nangyari sa inyo, so huwag kayo matatakot sa medical. Iyan ay ebidensiya. Huwag matatakot. Hindi lang laway ang nagpapanalo sa kaso ninyo kundi ebidensiya, di ba! Huwag sabihin ‘Judge, alam ng Diyos ang nangyari,’ hindi naman pwede tanungin si Diyos. Bababa ka nga Diyos para mag-testify? Hindi pwede sabihin sa korte ‘alam ng Diyos,’ kundi ‘alam ng tao.’ Hindi pwede tanungin ang Diyos eh. Kailangan sa atin, lahat ng bagay ay ebidensiya. Tandaan ninyo, iba ang katotohanan at iba ang may ebidensiya. Kung totoo yan pero walang ebidensiya, matatalo pa rin kayo. Kaya importante ang ebidensiya. Ano ang ebidensiya kung nabugbog kayo? May pasa-pasa. Sabi nga ni Gus Abelgas sa SOCO, ‘Hindi nagsisinungaling ang ebidensiya.’”
She later provided an English explanation for clarity:
“Some of you may have undergone a medical examination, especially in your private areas, depending on what happened to you. Don’t be afraid—that’s part of the evidence. Don’t fear it. It’s not just words that win your case, but evidence. Don’t say, ‘Judge, God knows what happened.’ We can’t call on God to testify. In court, it’s not enough to say ‘God knows’; it has to be something people can know. Remember, truth and evidence are different things. Even if it’s true, if there’s no evidence, you could still lose. That’s why evidence is so important. What’s the evidence if you were beaten? Bruises. As Gus Abelgas from SOCO says, ‘Evidence doesn’t lie.’”
Her honest, relatable, and courageous message struck a powerful chord—reminding everyone that while truth matters, it is evidence that gives truth its strength in the courtroom.
Child-Sensitive Practices in Action
Judge Hernandez-Briones also demonstrated several child-friendly courtroom practices to help participants visualize how the court ensures their comfort and protection:
• Use of anatomically correct dolls to help children explain sensitive experiences safely.
• An improvised wooden divider that allows a child witness to testify without directly facing the accused.
These tools embody the judiciary’s continuing commitment to making the legal process more humane, sensitive, and respectful to child witnesses.
Participants and Partners
The session brought together dedicated individuals and organizations united in their advocacy for children’s rights:
Hon. Judge Barbara Aleli Hernandez-Briones, Presiding Judge
Onesimo Foundation: Ms. Pinky Jessa Turga Viscaya and Mr. Benjie Reboso (Social Workers); Mr. Noel Y. Canoy (House Parent)
Participants: 15 boys from Onesimo Foundation
Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Foundation (JCMPF): Ms. Maribeth R. Baril (Executive Director) and Ms. Myla R. Dagumanpan (Program Associate)
Final Reflections
The orientation led by Judge Hernandez-Briones was more than an educational visit—it was a powerful affirmation of justice with compassion. Her heartfelt guidance reminded everyone that truth alone is not enough; it is evidence that gives truth its voice and power in the eyes of the law.
The activity also reinforced the value of child-sensitive judicial practices, ensuring that every young victim or witness is treated with respect, safety, and dignity.
With the support of social workers, caregivers, and advocates from Onesimo Foundation and JCMPF, the program helped children face the legal process with renewed courage, clarity, and confidence.
About KTCAP
The Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) is a collaborative initiative designed to empower child and teen victims or witnesses of abuse and exploitation. Its mission is to help young participants understand the justice system, reduce fear and anxiety, and prepare them to testify with confidence and clarity.
Inspired by the King County Kids’ Court in Seattle and thoughtfully adapted for the Philippine context, KTCAP continues to uphold its guiding belief:
“Every child has the right to be heard. KTCAP is helping make that possible—one empowered child at a time.”