SC suspends court hearings nationwide due to COVID-19

All court hearings nationwide, from the Supreme Court down to the lowest trial courts, have been suspended from March 13 to March 18 as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19.

The suspension order covers various courts including the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, regional trial courts, metropolitan trial courts, municipal trial courts, and Shari'a courts.

Despite the suspension of hearings, justices, judges, and court personnel are still required to report for duty and perform their tasks.

Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta ordered the suspension based on the recommendation of the Office of the Court Administrator.

During the suspension, judges are tasked with resetting hearings, disinfecting court premises, issuing orders and decisions, and acting on pending matters.

They are also instructed to report any developments regarding the spread of COVID-19 to the OCA.

Earlier directives from the Chief Justice limited access to court facilities to individuals with official business only.

These measures were implemented in response to the increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country.