SC revokes directives related to public health emergency

FILE: Facade of Supreme Court of the Philippines (PNA photo)

MANILA—The Supreme Court (SC) announced on Saturday that it has revoked all directives and issuances during the state of public health emergency.

“In view of the palace directive, all prior issuances effective during the state of public health emergency are now deemed withdrawn, revoked or canceled, and shall no longer be in effect,” said Circular No. 271-2023 issued Friday by Court Administrator Raul Villanueva.

On July 21, President Ferdinand R. Marcos issued Proclamation No. 297, effectively lifting the country’s emergency status due to the coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In the two-page Circular, the court said “utmost priority shall be given to in-court or face-to-face hearings, while raffle of cases in multi-sala stations shall be made in person.

However, videoconferencing hearings, if warranted, in court, from home, or in other locations, shall be subject to earlier circulars.

Court judges may also require visitors in their courts or halls of justice to undergo antigen tests on qualified medical grounds.

Wearing masks inside the Supreme Court and in the halls of justice is likewise optional. However, judges, upon their discretion, may require the wearing of masks inside their courts.

Despite the more relaxed health guidelines, the Supreme Court reminded all judges and clerks of court to keep their vigilance and monitor the condition of their staff.