THE Supreme Court has extended the physical closure of courts and its offices in the National Capital Region, and nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, or the so-called NCR Plus, from April 5 to April 11, 2021.
This was after Malacañang extended the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in NCR Plus due to rising COVID-19 cases.
NCR Plus courts shall include the SC, Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and trial courts.
In Administrative Circular No. 15-2021 signed by acting Chief Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe, all hearings and court actions except on matters the court deems urgent are suspended.
Likewise, the filing of pleadings and other court submissions that fell due or would fall due during the period beginning from March 29 to April 11, 2021 are hereby extended for seven calendar days, counted from April 12, 2021.
However, lawyers/litigants may file their pleadings/court submissions on urgent matters during this period in accordance with the procedure stated in Administrative Circular No. 14-2021.
“The respective heads of offices within these courts are directed to maintain a skeleton staff, as may be necessary, to attend to all urgent matters, including the payment of salaries, during this period.”
“All prior issuances not inconsistent herewith shall remain valid and in effect,” Administrative Circular No. 15-2021 read.
