MANILA, Philippines — All courts in Metro Manila and other areas under Alert Level 3 will be closed from Jan. 13 to 31 as the country continues to face a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Supreme Court announced on Wednesday.
Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo issued the order, which also applies to the high court itself, after consultation with other Supreme Court justices.
The courts that will be closed are in the following areas:
- Metro Manila
- Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Pampanga including Angeles City, Zambales including Olongapo City in Central Luzon
- Lucena City in Quezon and the provinces of Cavite, Batangas, Rizal in Calabarzon
- Baguio City in the Cordillera Administrative Region
- Dagupan City in the Ilocos Region
- Santiago City and Cagayan province in the Cagayan Region
- Naga City in the Bicol Region
- Iloilo City in Western Visayas
- Lapu-lapu City in Central Visayas
The physically closed courts may be contacted through their hotlines and email addresses, which are posted on the SC website.
Meanwhile, online hearings via video conferencing may proceed on urgent matters such as inquests, bail petitions, promulgations of acquittals or dismissals in criminal cases, habeas corpus, violence against women and children, and election-related cases.
“Judges are encouraged to examine the possibility of bail or recognizance for violations of ordinances or appropriate crimes,” it said.
The filing of all pleadings and submissions that would fall due until Jan. 31, 2022, will be extended until Feb. 1.
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