The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday announced work suspension in trial courts on Thursday and Friday (December 23 and 24) and December 31.

Circular No. 156-2021 released by Court Administrator Officer-in-Charge Raul Villanueva said the suspension will give way to the disinfection of offices and allow the courts to organize their records.

As cleared with Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, the circular stated that work in all first and second level courts is suspended on December 24 and 31, both Fridays, “for the conduct of a thorough disinfection, cleaning and sanitation of court buildings and offices as regular precautionary and safety measures relative to the prevailing state of public health brought about by the present Covid-19 pandemic and the detected or reported threat brought about by variant of the said virus.”

December 23 was also declared “no transaction day in all trial courts to prioritize the collation and organization of court documents needed for the required preparation of inventory and other reports early next year.”

“All executive judges were also directed to ensure that the disinfection and sanitation are carried out and court documents are secured and organized,” the Office of the Court Administrator said. (PNA)