📄 Abstract
The integrity of the Philippine judicial system depends on objective forensic science, yet Questioned Document Examination (QDE) encounters a persistent "subjectivity vs. science" gap, especially under rigorous courtroom cross-examination. This descriptive phenomenological study, guided by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), explored the lived experiences, legal impacts, challenges, and professional goals of Forensic Document Examiners (FDEs) from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Forensic Group. Through purposive sampling, verbatim transcripts from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with active uniformed and non-uniformed examiners were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Findings reveal that FDEs engage in strict pre-trial "mental tuning" to maintain focus and manage operational fatigue. On the witness stand, they endure adversarial questioning and personal attacks, finding refuge by grounding their testimony in micro-evidence and the official PNP manual. Their reports often serve as decisive tie-breakers in trials, shaping judicial outcomes by translating scientific findings into legal verdicts. Nevertheless, examiners experience significant communication fatigue, as they must convert technical data into layman’s terms and counter myths of perfect signature uniformity. Motivated by scientific neutrality, adherence to international standards (ISO/ASTM/INTERPOL), and a humanitarian mission to protect innocent lives, FDEs require greater systemic support. In response, the study proposes the Forensic Testimonial Excellence Initiative (FTEI), which includes mandatory quarterly moot courts, standardized Forensic Visual Discovery Kits, joint judicial seminars with PHILJA, and a "No-Lab Shift Mandate" granting 12–18 hours of rest before court testimonies to safeguard examiner well-being and enhance forensic justice.
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📚 How to Cite:
Anna Marie Omapas Mangui, Dr. Donald B. Narra , EXPLORING THE TESTIMONIAL EXPERIENCES, INFLUENCE ON LEGAL OUTCOMES, AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS OF FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINERS , Volume 12 , Issue 9, September 2026, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) , Pages: 504 - 512 ,