Clarification of OCA Circular No. 118-2021

March 24, 2022

OCA CIRCULAR NO. 66-2022

 

OCA Circular No. 118-2021 dated 1 September 2021 suspended OCA Circular No. 115-2021 dated 20 August 2021 with respect to the remand of cases to the first level courts following the enactment of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11576, 1 which took effect on 21 August 2021. Judges from various judicial regions sought the guidance of this Office if the hearings of the cases that are otherwise for remand, if not for the suspension decreed by OCA Circular No. 118-2021, should likewise be suspended.

To settle the matter and address similar concerns at this time, it is thus clarified that action on cases previously filed in the Regional Trial Courts prior to the effectivity of R.A. No. 11576, that are now within the expanded jurisdiction of the first level courts pursuant to above law, shall be deferred until further notice.

Furthermore, it is reiterated that the suspension of OCA Circular No. 115-2021 by OCA Circular No. 118-2021 is subject to the resolution of the Court on the revisions to the Rules on Summary Procedure and Small Claims Cases.

For the guidance and compliance of all concerned.

(SGD.) RAUL BAUTISTA VILLANUEVACourt Administrator

Footnotes

1.An Act Further Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, Amending for the purpose Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, Otherwise known as "The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980," as amended.