MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. _____ EXTENDED WORK SUSPENSION IN THE SUPREME COURT UNTIL MARCH 16, 2021 WHEREAS, on March 10, 2021, Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta issued Memorandum Circular No. 01-2021 which, among others, suspended work in the Supreme Court from March 11 to 14, 2021 to give time for the disinfection of the Supreme Court compound. WHEREAS, more time is needed to complete and accomplish a more thorough disinfection of the Supreme Court offices in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its new variant. NOW, THEREFORE, after consultation with the Justices and Chiefs of Offices, a continuation of the disinfection, cleaning, and sanitation of the different buildings and offices of the Supreme Court is hereby ordered to be undertaken to minimize the possible spread of the infection. To allow the disinfection process and activity to continue uninterrupted, the following shall be implemented: 1. The continuation of the disinfection, cleaning, and sanitation of the different buildings and offices of the Supreme Court is extended until Tuesday, March 16, 2021; 2. Committees with previously scheduled meetings may be allowed to proceed depending upon the discretion of the Chairperson or Head of the Committee; 3. Court sessions shall proceed via videoconferencing but the Oral Arguments scheduled on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, for G.R. No. 252578, et al., is suspended; 4. Urgent matters should be attended to by the concerned Chiefs or Heads of Offices, who are expected to be reached at anytime of the day; 5. On-duty personnel of the Medical and Dental Services (skeleton force), Security and Maintenance Divisions, Office of Administrative-ServicesSupreme Court, are authorized to report for work on March 15 to 16, 2021;
6. The flag raising ceremony at the Rizal Park on Monday, March 15, 2021, shall proceed as scheduled but strictly following health protocols; and 7. From March 17 to 19, 2021, all offices are required to maintain a skeleton force of fifty percent (50%) in order to maintain physical distancing of six (6) feet. Issued this 14th day of March 2021, in the City of Parañaque, Philippines.
(Original Signed) DIOSDADO M. PERALTA Chief Justice
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