The Supreme Court (SC) goes on a three-week decision-writing period starting Monday, Oct. 18, up to Nov. 8.
During the period, there will be no sessions in its three divisions and in the full court unless there is a very urgent case that is brought before it for resolution.
While there is no confirmation from the SC, expected to be drafted is the ruling on the 37 petitions that challenged the constitutionality of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020 under Republic Act No. 11479.
The SC had assured that the petitions against ATA will be resolved before Dec. 31, 2021.
On Monday, Oct. 18, trial courts in the National Capital Region (NCR) will be open for in-court proceedings only on urgent matters and other issues which may be determined by judges.
NCR has been placed under Alert Level 3 from Oct. 16 to Oct. 31 after the region experienced negative growth rates in new cases of COVID-19.
In a circular issued by Court Administrator Jose Midas P. Marquez for the SC, the in-court proceedings should be limited to lawyers, parties in the case, and witnesses.
NCR trial courts should maintain at least 50 per cent of the total workforce, the circular stated.