The Supreme Court (SC) adopted a work-from-home for all its officials and employees on Tuesday, Aug. 26, due to the suspension of work in government offices ordered by the Office of the President (OP).
However, Chief of Administrative Services Maria Carina A. Matammu-Cunanan said that Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo ordered the maintenance of skeletal force in the SC’s docket-receiving section, judicial records office, cash collection and disbursement division, and fiscal management and budget office
Chief Justice Gesmundo said the presiding justices of the appellate courts – Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and Court of Tax Appeals -- in Metro Manila and other areas affected by the work suspension will issue their own circulars.
Work arrangements in trial courts in areas affected by the suspension of work will be issued by Court Administrator Officer-in-Charge Lilian C. Barribal-Co.
In Memorandum Circular No. 94 issued by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, the OP suspended classes at all levels and work in government offices on Aug. 26 in Metro Manila and the provinces of Aurora, Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte and Southern Leyte.
Executive Secretary Bersamin said the suspension of classes and government work is due to “the forecasted heavy rainfall that will be brought about by the low-pressure area and southwest monsoon.
The circular also stated that “agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services are hereby directed to continue their operations and render the necessary services.”
It added that the “localized cancellation or suspension of classes and/or work in government offices in other areas may still be implemented by their respective local chief executives, pursuant to relevant laws, rules and regulations.”
In private companies and offices, the suspension of work is left to the discretion of their respective heads.