Court Operations Beginning 16 September 2021

September 15, 2021

SUPREME COURT ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 72-2021

 

Notwithstanding that the National Capital Region (NCR) will be under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with Alert Level 4 beginning 16 September 2021, ALL COURTS in the NCR will continue to remain PHYSICALLY CLOSED to court users until further notice.

The courts in the NCR shall continue to operate online and conduct videoconferencing hearings on pending cases and all other matters, whether urgent or not, as far as practicable, so as not to delay the trial of cases and court processes. The said courts may be reached through their respective hotlines and email addresses as posted in the Supreme Court website.

The time for filing and service of pleadings and motions during this period REMAINS SUSPENDED and shall resume after seven (7) calendar days counted from the first day of the physical reopening of the relevant court, unless otherwise expressly ordered by the relevant court which shall consider the physical closure of the courts and the granular lockdowns in the different areas.

The essential judicial offices shall maintain the necessary skeleton staff to enable them to address all urgent matters and concerns.

The "no personal filing" policy, unless for exceptionally urgent matters and only after having been properly communicated and cleared with the proper office, under Memorandum Order No. 65-2021, dated 4 August 2021, and extended per Memorandum Order No. 77-2021, dated 6 September 2021, is likewise FURTHER EXTENDED until further notice, and the guidelines contained therein are hereby reiterated and maintained.

The relevant provisions of OCA Circular No. 120-2021, dated 8 September 2021, shall continue to remain in force for all courts and judicial offices outside the NCR.

For the guidance of all concerned.

(SGD.) ALEXANDER G. GESMUNDOChief Justice