SC calendar full in first en banc in 2013

MANILA, Philippines–The Supreme Court has its hands full on its first en banc (full court) session for 2013.

This Tuesday, the high court will discuss various petitions filed by disqualified partylist groups.

The high court will also tackle the controversial Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 also known as the RH Law.

Also, up for discussion is whether to stop the implementation of the Judicial Affidavit Rule as requested by the Prosecutors League of the Philippines.

The JAR requires submission of Judicial Affidavit in lieu of direct testimony of witnesses.

Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez issued a circular to all justices and judges suspending implementation, reiterating the recommendation of Associate Justice Roberto Abad that it is more prudent while the matter is being tackled by the high court.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, however, clarified that the JAR implementation was not suspended but would be discussed on Tuesday’s deliberation.