Except SC, all courts in NCR to stay physically closed during GCQ

Courts in the National Capital Region (NCR), except the Supreme Court (SC), will remain physically closed even as the government decided to loosen restrictions in Metro Manila beginning on Wednesday.

Court Administrator Midas Marquez said Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo made the decision in light of the continued rise in COVID-19 cases and the proposed implementation of granular lockdowns in Metro Manila to slow the spread of the virus.

The region will be under general community quarantine (GCQ) from September 8 to 30.

Marquez said the courts should continue to operate online and conduct video conferencing hearings on pending cases and all other matters, whether urgent or not.

He also said the time for filing and service of pleadings and motions during GCQ is suspended and shall resume after seven calendar days counted from the first day of the physical reopening of the relevant court.

“The essential judicial offices shall maintain the necessary skeleton staff to enable them to address all urgent matters and concerns,” Marquez stated in the circular issued on Tuesday.

Aside from the SC, the courts located in Metro Manila are the Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and the trial courts. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News