Holding of Christmas Parties and Other Related Activities

November 22, 2022

OCA CIRCULAR NO. 329-2022

 

While many are eager to enjoy and bond with colleagues and co-workers after the easing of the pandemic quarantine restrictions and alert levels, the health risks brought by COVID-19 is still very much present. Thus, despite the coming season of merriment, public service and court access will always be the Judiciary's main priority.

Along this line, in order for the Judiciary to celebrate a meaningful and safe Christmas Holiday, all judges and court personnel of the first and second level courts are hereby DIRECTED to strictly observe the following in the holding of Christmas parties and other related activities:

1. As far as practicable, Christmas parties and other related activities can only be held on a Friday and the same shall only be done once within the month of December 2022 by a court branch or station;

2. If a Christmas party is scheduled on a Friday, the concerned court branch or station need not notify the Office of the Court Administrator about it;

3. If the Christmas party or other activity is not scheduled on a Friday, requests for the same shall be submitted to the Court Management Office, Office of the Court Administrator, via email ([email protected]), and shall be made by the Presiding Judge/Acting Presiding Judge and favourably endorsed by the Executive Judge.

In case the party or activity involves the Office of the Clerk of Court, the request shall be made by the Clerk of Court and favourably endorsed by the Executive Judge;

4. Should a court station opt to hold a Christmas party or activity for all the branches and offices of the station, the same may be allowed provided that the party or activity is requested by the Executive Judge and the attendance is programmed by batches in order to prevent court officials and personnel of the station from crowding in one venue;

5. For Christmas parties and other related activities which will be held outside of the court station, prior clearance and approval of the concerned Deputy Court Administrator or Assistant Court Administrator should be secured; and

6. The required health and safety protocols must be strictly observed at all times.

(SGD.) RAUL B. VILLANUEVACourt Administrator