PH courts slowly transition to normalcy

Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo (center) and the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court pose for posterity in their first in-person En Banc deliberations since the Chief Justice was appointed as head of the Judiciary in April 2021.
(From left) Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez, Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, Justice Rodil V. Zalameda, Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Senior Associate Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe, Chief Justice Gesmundo, Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, Justice Mario V. Lopez, Justice Ricardo R. Rosario, and Justice Japar B. Dimaampao. Photo from SC PIO

MANILA, Philippines — The courts are cautiously transitioning to normalcy with some allowing 80 percent of its personnel to physically report to work.

Taking lead from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) as well as the second and first level courts issued notices regarding its operations stating it will be physically open Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and should operate with at least 80 percent capacity.

At the Supreme Court, personal filing of pleadings and other court submissions will now be allowed.

Meanwhile, the high court’s personnel from the medical and dental services, security division, maintenance division, and motor pool section are required to work onsite starting February 16.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo issued the new work schedule “considering that the COVID-19 growth rate in Metro Manila has decreased and notwithstanding the extension of Alert Level 2 until Feb. 28, 2022.”

The high court also conducted an in-person deliberation – a first since Gesmundo’s appointment in April 2021.

Court of Appeals

On the other hand, in an order issued by Presiding Justice Remedios A. Salazar Fernando at the Court of Appeals, onsite raffles and hearings of cases are finally allowed. Those visiting the courts must present their present proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon entry.

In solemnization of marriages, only five persons are allowed including the appeals court justice who will administer the marriage.

Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals

Both the Sandiganbayan and CTA have similarly allowed the personal and electronic filing of pleadings and court submissions.

The anti-graft will also continue with the issuance of clearances through its outdoor kiosk.

Presiding Justice Roman G. Del Rosario said 80 percent of the CTA’s workforce will report physically to their offices starting February 16. Those not reporting for work onsite must work from home just like the arrangements in the SC, CA, and Sandiganbayan.

Lower courts nationwide

Only courts in areas under Alert Level 2 are allowed to have 80 percent of their workers report in person. The same percentage of personnel are likewise allowed for Saturday duties.

For courts in areas under Alert Level 3 such as those in Iloilo City, Iloilo province, Guimaras, Zamboanga City, Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, and South Cotabato, only 60 percent of their staff will be permitted to report to work physically.

Night courts are not allowed under Alert Levels 2 and 3.

The new policies covering all the courts across the country would be implemented beginning February 16.

RELATED STORIES

SC reduces daily on-site work capacity to 30 percent

Courts in Metro Manila, other areas under Alert Level 3 closed January 13 to 31 – SC