MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) announced Friday that it has approved uniform guidelines for suspending work and operations in lower courts during typhoons, natural calamities, transport strikes, utility interruptions, and holidays.

The guidelines, approved by the SC en Banc on Oct. 28, allow limited delegation of authority from the Chief Justice to the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA), Regional Court Managers (ORCMs), and Executive Judges for their respective areas. The measure aims to ensure consistent procedures across all trial courts.

Under the guidelines, ORCMs may suspend work and court operations for up to three consecutive days during typhoons or heavy rainfall, based on advisories, weather forecasts, and local vulnerability to flooding or landslides. Executive Judges may declare one-day suspensions during sudden calamities, such as earthquakes, fires, landslides, or volcanic eruptions, with extensions of up to two days possible upon reporting to the ORCM. Any suspension beyond three days requires clearance from the Court Administrator.

For transport strikes or large rallies, Executive Judges must notify the ORCM within one day, with ORCMs authorized to suspend work for up to three days. Sudden, unannounced strikes allow same-day suspensions, with possible extensions of up to two days. Similar rules apply for electricity interruptions exceeding two hours.

Regarding holidays, ORCMs announce permanent local non-working holidays at least one week in advance, while temporary or presidentially declared holidays require Executive Judges to inform the ORCM within one day.

The guidelines require a skeleton workforce to handle urgent matters, including bail applications, release orders, and writs of habeas corpus, while keeping official hotlines operational. Prompt notification to parties, law enforcement, and the public is also mandated. Executive Judges and ORCMs must notify the SC Communications Office immediately after declaring suspensions.

“Work suspensions must be done judiciously. Abuse of authority may lead to administrative action,” the SC said. (PNA)