SC sets uniform rules for court work suspensions nationwide

The Supreme Court (SC) has approved uniform guidelines for suspending work and court operations in all trial courts nationwide, establishing a consistent protocol for handling disruptions such as natural calamities and local holidays.

The SC En Banc, in a resolution dated 28 October 2025 (A.M. No. 25-10-21-SC), emphasized clear delegation of authority and accountability across the judiciary.

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

Under the guidelines, key scenarios are explicitly addressed, including calamities and transport disruptions.

For anticipated events such as typhoons or heavy rainfall, the ORCM is authorized to suspend work for up to three consecutive days, based on national and local advisories, weather forecasts, and the area’s vulnerability.

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

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

The guidelines also set specific limits for utility interruptions. An executive judge may suspend work due to a sudden power outage if electricity is not expected to be restored within two hours or remains unavailable for at least two hours without an advisory. The judge must then report the basis via email or SMS to the ORCM for potential extension.

The SC clarified that internet and water service interruptions are not valid grounds for suspension.

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

Any suspension extending beyond three consecutive days requires prior clearance from the court administrator, who also has the authority to review or reverse any suspension declared at lower levels.

To ensure continuity of essential services, executive judges are mandated to maintain a skeleton workforce to handle urgent judicial matters, such as bail applications, release orders, and writs of habeas corpus. Official hotlines must also remain operational.

The SC also required prompt public notification. Once a suspension is declared, the executive judge or ORCM must immediately inform the SC Communications Office.

The high court stressed that the authority to suspend work must be exercised judiciously, warning that abuse of this power could result in administrative action.