SC junks summer sessions in Baguio City; holds them in Manila starting April 6 to conserve fuel
The Supreme Court (SC) has decided to forego its traditional summer sessions in Baguio City this year and hold them in Manila due to rising fuel costs.
Summer sessions are set from April 6 to 30.
The SC’s Office of the Spokesperson said that Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo announced the change after consulting with the SC as a full court, and “noting the Court’s responsibility to remain mindful of current national conditions while continuing to ensure the steady delivery of justice.”
Two cases are set for oral arguments during this year’s summer sessions. Most of the parties – petitioners and respondents -- and their lawyers are residing in the National Capital Region.
Set for oral arguments are the consolidated petitions on unprogrammed funds and special accounts in the general fund under the 2024, 2025 and 2026 General Appropriations Acts (GAAs) set starting at 9 a.m. on April 7 and 21; and the petition for recognition of foreign divorce set starting at 2 p.m. on April 28.
Summer sessions in Baguio City started in 1948 during the tenure of the late Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran.
The SC said that moving this year’s summer sessions to Manila “does not prevent the Court from holding special sessions in Baguio once conditions return to normal.”
It also said that during summer sessions, justices deliberate on cases, resolve urgent motions, conduct or prepare for oral arguments, attend to committee work, and write decisions and resolutions.