Update
MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) will be holding a special en banc (full court) session online on Friday, April 17, the High Court Public Information Chief and Spokesperson Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka said Wednesday.
Hosaka said En Banc Clerk of Court Atty. Ed Aricheta confirmed the Friday meeting, adding that it is the first online en banc session since the Enhanced Community Quarantine was imposed last month.
The High Court was supposed to have its en banc meeting today (April 15) but it was postponed.
Recently, two cases were filed– a petition for the release of 22 persons deprived of liberty and the mandamus petition on disclosure of President Rodrigo Duterte’s medical records.
Before the quarantine imposed by the government, the High Court has also set an April 14 discussion on the quo warranto case against ABS-CBN.
“Atty. Ed Aricheta, the Clerk of Court En Banc, confirms the meeting of the Supreme Court en banc on April 17, 2020. However, I am not privy as to the agenda for the said meeting,” Hosaka told reporters.
But court insiders said the magistrates would be discussing the two petitions and will continue its discussion on the Quo Warranto case against ABS-CBN.
With regards to what platform will be used by the justices for the virtual en banc session, especially with security concerns on Zoom, Hosaka said the high court’s Management Information Systems Office (MISO) is handling the technical aspect for the Friday’s session.
“Our MISO is handling the technical aspect taking into consideration security concerns,” Hosaka said.
The High Court last month held an en banc session to discuss stringent measures to protect court officials, employees, and litigants from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
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