SC greenlights uniform court work suspension guidelines

The Supreme Court (SC) has approved new, uniform guidelines governing the suspension of work and court operations in all trial courts nationwide which establishes a clear and consistent protocol for handling disruptions ranging from natural calamities to local holidays.

The SC En Banc, in a Resolution dated 28 October 2025 (A.M No. 25-10-21-SC), focuses on clear delegation of authority while maintaining judicial accountability.

Although the Chief Justice retains overall authority, the power to suspend operations is now extensively delegated to lower judicial officials, particularly the Office of the Regional Court Manager (ORCM) and executive judges.

For anticipated calamities like typhoons or heavy rainfall, the ORCM is authorized to suspend work for up to three consecutive days, basing the decision on national and local advisories, weather forecasts, and the area’s vulnerability.

In cases of sudden calamities such as earthquakes, fires, or volcanic eruptions, the executive judge may immediately declare a suspension not exceeding one day. That judge must then submit a report to the ORCM within one day for review and possible extension up to two more consecutive days.

The same protocol applies to transport strikes and large-scale rallies: the ORCM may suspend operations for up to three consecutive days based on advisories, but an executive judge can declare an immediate, same-day suspension for sudden, unannounced strikes.

The guidelines set specific limits for utility interruptions, as an executive judge may suspend work for a sudden electricity outage if power is not expected to be restored within two hours or if the outage lasts for at least two hours without an advisory.

The SC explicitly stated that internet and water service interruptions are not valid grounds for work suspension.

For local holidays and celebrations, the ORCM will announce the suspension for permanent holidays at least one week prior. For temporary, one-time holidays or celebrations like town fiestas, the executive judge must promptly notify the ORCM, who will then issue the official suspension order.

Any suspension declared that extends beyond three consecutive days requires prior clearance from the Court Administrator, who retains the power to review and reverse any suspension declared below the central office level.