SC suspends court hearings from March 13 to 18

March 12, 2020

The Supreme Court has ordered the suspension of court hearings from March 13 to 18 as a preventive measure against COVID-19.

Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta earlier issued an Administrative Circular to guide the lower courts how to prevent the spread of the virus.

However, upon recommendation by the Office of the Court Administrator, the high court announced  "all court hearings in the first, second and collegiate courts are hereby suspended beginning 13 March 2020 until 18 March 2020.

During this period, justices and judges are directed to conduct the following: reset hearings and inform parties of the new schedule; disinfect court premises; pen orders and decisions; and act on other matters pending before their respective courts.

The OCAD made the recommendation after based on its monitoring of the situation and consultation from executive judges, presiding judges and court personnel, including officials of the Supreme Court. OCAD is in charge of the operation of lower courts nationwide.

The SC said suspension of hearings shall be in the first, second and collegiate courts.

Justices and judges are expected to continue reporting to the Office of the Court Administrator any development regarding the spread of COVID-19. DMS