Physical closure of courts prevails in MECQ areas until April 30

THE Supreme Court announced on Wednesday that it has extended the physical closure of courts in areas under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until April 30.

SC Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said the physical closure of court until month’s end was in line with the schedule earlier announced by Malacañang.

The areas placed under MECQ until the said period include the National Capital Region and the provinces of Abra, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Quirino and Rizal, and the province of Santiago City.

“The courts in other areas under localized enhanced community quarantine [ECQ] and MECQ shall likewise be physically closed for the duration of such ECQ and MECQ,” the chief magistrate said.

The SC said those who have businesses with these courts could reach them through their Judiciary hot line numbers and e-mail addresses that are posted in the SC web site.

The courts would also operate via videoconferencing.

“Judges may conduct fully remote videoconferencing hearings on pending cases and other matters, whether urgent or not, regardless of their physical location and without prior permission from the Office of the Court Administration,” he added.

The Chief Justice also ordered that the time for filing and service pleadings and motions during this period is suspended and shall resume seven calendar days counted from the first day of physical reopening of these courts.