FILE PHOTO: The Supreme Court building on Padre Faura Street in Manila. CATHY MIRANDA / INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has suspended work on January 9, Monday, except for essential staffers and those assisting sessions in Baguio, in anticipation of heavy traffic due to the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
In its Memorandum Order No. 02-2023 signed by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, SC said they expect traffic to build up in the vicinity of the SC office.
The Supreme Court office is located along Padre Faura Street in Ermita, Manila.
“In view of the heavy traffic in the vicinity because of the several road closures in the City of Manila brought about by the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, work in the Supreme Court, Manila, is suspended on 9 January 2023, Monday, except essential staff of offices who may be required to report for work in Manila to assist those who are in Baguio for the sessions,” Gesmundo said.
Last Wednesday, the local government of Manila also announced that they are suspending work, classes on Monday in anticipation of the huge crowds that would troop to Quiapo for the festivities.
READ: Manila suspends work, classes on Jan. 9 for Black Nazarene feast
According to the Manila Police District, they expect the 2023 Feast of the Black Nazarene to draw around five million devotees — matching pre-pandemic numbers.
READ: 2023 Black Nazarene expected to draw 5 million devotees – MPD
Before the pandemic, the annual festivities included the traditional “pahalik”, where devotees can visit the statue of the Black Nazarene and venerate, usually at the Quirino Grandstand near Rizal Park.
After the pahalik comes the Traslacion, or the journey of the carriage carrying the Black Nazarene from Quirino Grandstand back to Quiapo Church — a slow, excruciating march that usually lasts a day and draws millions of devotees. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, festivities were suspended to avoid superspreader events.
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