GCQ courts to reopen with skeleton workforce May 18-29

Courts in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) will be physically open from May 18 to May 29, 2020, operating with skeleton workforces on weekdays.

This allows courts in GCQ areas to hear all pending matters, an expansion from previously only allowing judges to act on urgent matters.

Courts in Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) areas, including Metro Manila and Laguna, will remain physically closed until May 31.

All transactions in GCQ courts must be conducted through designated hotlines, email addresses, or Facebook accounts, as walk-in requests will not be entertained.

Personnel vulnerable to COVID-19 may work from home with prior approval.

Pleadings and court submissions in GCQ areas can be filed electronically or through the Office of the Clerk of Court.

In-court or videoconferencing hearings are authorized for all pending matters in criminal and civil cases in GCQ areas, with strict health protocols.

Courts in MECQ areas will continue to operate through electronic means, accepting filings online and conducting urgent hearings via video conferencing.