MANILA, Philippines—Regardless if the National Capital Region will soon shift to a less restricted community quarantine, courts in Metro Manila except the Supreme Court will remain physically closed.
Based on the circular by the Office of the Court Administrator (OCAD), physical closure of courts will be up to Sept. 30 “in view of the continued surge of confirmed COVID-19 cases in different variants, and considering that the proposed granular or localized lockdown will be pilot-tested in the National Capital Region which is on Alert Level 4 (except the City of Manila).”
However, the courts will continue to operate online and conduct hearings via videoconferencing for pending cases and all other matters so as not to delay the trial of cases and court processes.
Meanwhile, the time for filing and service of pleadings and motions during this period is suspended and shall resume after seven calendar days counted from the first day of the physical opening of the relevant court.
On the other hand, essential judicial offices will be maintaining the necessary skeleton staff to address all urgent matters.
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