SC releases modified working adjustments under Alert Level 3

The Supreme Court (SC) on Saturday released modified working arrangements and suspended personal filing of initiatory pleadings under Alert Level 3.

The High Court issued the directive after the National Task Force COVID-19 placed the National Capital Region (NCR) under Alert Level 3 from January 3 to 15, 2022 following the increase of new COVID-19 infections in the country.

Under MO No. 1-2022 issued by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, all offices and divisions in the SC would continue to be operational, with one-half of the workforce reporting on-site on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

READ: Memorandum Order No. 1-2022
RE: Modified Working Arrangement/No Personal Filing in the Supreme Court pic.twitter.com/vX3OfukIwd

— Philippine Supreme Court Public Information Office (@SCPh_PIO) January 1, 2022

The other half shall report on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, while employees who are not scheduled to report to the office shall be under work-from-home arrangement for two days.

Likewise, the MO notes that personal filing of initiatory pleadings was suspended until further notice:

“All pleadings and other court submissions shall be filed in accordance with the guidelines set forth under Memorandum Order No. 65-2021 dated August 4, 2021.”

Meanwhile, employees reporting on-site are directed to undergo antigen testing before proceeding to their respective office starting January 3.

The official time for work concerned will now be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the SC.

Under Alert Level 3, work at government offices is limited to 60% of their onsite capacity.

Courts in areas affected by Typhoon Odette may be governed by the same protocols, depending on the alert levels that these areas are placed on, but subject to modifications as may be determined by the Executive/Presiding Judges "if normal court operations cannot yet commence due to the prevailing situation.” —LBG, GMA News