MANILA, Philippines—Courts in the National Capital Region (NCR) except for the Supreme Court shall remain physically closed during the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
In a circular issued by Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez upon the instruction of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, NCR courts like the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and the Court of Tax Appeals will continue to operate online only for urgent incidents.
Examples of urgent cases are petitions for bail, habeas corpus, and applications for temporary protection orders for Violence Against Women and Children cases.
The physically closed courts may be reached through their hotlines and email addresses posted at the Supreme Court website (sc.judiciary.gov.ph).
Meanwhile, the high court said, “the time for filing and service of pleadings and motions is also suspended and shall resume after seven calendar days counted from the first day of the physical reopening of the relevant court.”
It added that: “The essential judicial offices in all courts shall maintain the necessary skeleton staff to attend to all urgent matters and concerns.”
On the other hand, while the Supreme Court will be open beginning Aug. 23, it will have a reduced workforce.
Personnel not included in the day’s workforce will work from home (WFH).
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