The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday announced the physical closure of courts in the National Capital Region and the nearby provinces included in the bubble.

In a statement, the high court said that “in view of the rising cases of Covid-19 in the National Capital Region and the nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta orders the closure of physical courts and court offices in the NCJR (National Capital Judicial Region) and in the nearby provinces.”

The closure, from 2 p.m. Thursday until Friday, includes trial courts, Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, and the Sandiganbayan.

During the closure, offices will remain accessible to the public and court users through their hotlines and email addresses.

Hearings are suspended, except on urgent matters such as motions and pleadings in relation to bail and habeas corpus, promulgation of judgments of acquittals, reliefs for those who may be arrested and detained, and other related actions. (PNA)