Establishing Indigent or Low-Income Status
- Litigants seeking free transcripts must establish their indigent or low-income status during the investigation, hearing, or trial.
- The presiding fiscal, judge, commissioner, or tribunal resolves the claim within the same proceeding.
- "Indigent or low income litigant" is defined as a person having no visible means of support, income not exceeding P300 per month, or income insufficient for family subsistence considering family size.
Penalties for Violation by Stenographers
- Violations or unreasonable delays in providing free transcripts are subject to disciplinary action after due hearing under Republic Act No. 2260, as amended.
- Penalty progression:
- First offense: Suspension up to 30 days.
- Second offense: Suspension between 30 to 60 days.
- Third offense: Removal from office.
Application to Pending Cases
- The law applies to all indigent or low-income litigants with pending cases as of the date of approval.
- Coverage includes cases in fiscal offices, courts, quasi-judicial bodies, or administrative tribunals.
Implementation and Support
- The Department of Justice is tasked with prescribing necessary rules and regulations for implementation.
- Department heads must provide required supplies and authorize the use of government equipment for stenographers to fulfill this mandate.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval.