Court Operations Starting 17 May 2021

May 14, 2021

SUPREME COURT ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 33-2021

 

Considering that the National Capital Region and nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, together with some provinces and cities, have been placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) starting 15 May until 31 May 2021, all first and second level courts, and appellate collegiate courts (except the Supreme Court), and the judicial offices in these areas under GCQ shall be physically opened with a skeleton force of at least thirty percent (30%) to at most fifty percent (50%), beginning 17 May 2021 until further notice.

The judges in the above areas may conduct fully-remote videoconferencing hearings during this time, with notice to the Office of the Court Administrator, provided they will be within their respective judicial territorial region.

The courts and judicial offices in areas under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) shall continue to be physically closed for the duration of such ECQ or MECQ. However, they shall continue to operate during this period through fully-remote videoconferencing, which must be maximized so as not to delay the trial of cases and court processes. They may be reached through their respective hotlines and email addresses as posted in the Supreme Court website.

All justices, judges, court personnel, and court users are reminded to continue to strictly observe safety protocols.

For the guidance and compliance of all concerned.

(SGD.) ALEXANDER G. GESMUNDOChief Justice