Court Operations Starting 4 October 2021
OCA Circular No. 123-2021, issued on October 1, 2021, mandates that all first and second level courts in the National Capital Region (NCR) remain physically closed to court users starting October 4, 2021, except for urgent in-court proceedings at the discretion of the Presiding Judge. Courts will continue to operate online, conducting videoconferencing hearings to prevent delays in case processing. Filing and service of pleadings and motions will remain suspended until further notice, and a skeleton workforce of up to 20% will be maintained to address urgent matters. This directive is applicable until further notice, and similar provisions for courts outside the NCR remain in effect.
Law Information
- Reference Number
- OCA Circular No. 123-2021
- Date Enacted
- Category
- Supreme Court Issuances
- Subcategory
- Office of the Court Administrator Circulars
- Jurisdiction
- Philippines
- Enacting Body
- Congress of the Philippines
Full Law Text
October 1, 2021
OCA CIRCULAR NO. 123-2021
| TO | : | All Judges, Court Personnel, and Court Users of the First and Second Level Courts |
| RE | : | Court Operations Starting 4 October 2021 |
Notwithstanding any modification of the alert levels guidelines in the National Capital Region (NCR), beginning 4 October 2021 until further notice, all first and second level courts within the NCR shall remain PHYSICALLY CLOSED to court users EXCEPT on urgent matters where in-court proceedings may be deemed necessary, at the sound discretion of the Presiding Judge.
The first and second level 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 shall REMAIN SUSPENDED until further notice.
The courts and essential judicial offices shall maintain a skeleton workforce of at most twenty percent (20%), to enable them to address all urgent matters and concerns.
The relevant provisions of Administrative Circular No. 72-2021, dated 15 September 2021, not inconsistent herewith shall continue to remain in force for all first and second level courts and judicial offices outside the NCR.
For the guidance and compliance of all concerned.
(SGD.) JOSE MIDAS P. MARQUEZCourt Administrator
Cite This Law
Court Operations Starting 4 October 2021, OCA Circular No. 123-2021, Oct 1, 2021 (Philippines)
Court Operations Starting 4 October 2021, OCA Circular No. 123-2021 (Phil. 2021)
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