SC physically closes Metro Manila courts from August 3 to 14

QUEZON CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA) – Due to reported surge in COVID-19 cases, the Supreme Court (SC) issued all courts in Metro Manila and other areas under strict lockdown to be physically closed from August 3 (Monday) to August 14 (Friday).

Guidelines for the operation of courts from the said dates have been provided under Administrative Circular No. 42-2020.

“Unless herein provided, all courts in the National Capital Judicial Region and those areas in under enhanced community quarantine or modified enhanced community quarantine shall be physically closed to all court users,” it said.

It added that the raffle of cases in all courts shall proceed electronically or through videoconferencing.

The Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, Regional Trial Courts, Family Courts, and First Level Courts shall continue to receive petitions and pleadings electronically, and resolve and decide pending cases through videoconferencing.

All inquiries on cases or transactions, including requests for documents and services, shall be coursed   and   acted   upon through respective courts’ hotline numbers, e-mail addresses or Facebook accounts as posted on the SC’s website or through the Judiciary Public Assistance Section of the Supreme Court, the AO said. (MTQ/PIA-IDPD)

source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049294