Quimonda damage prompts work suspension in courts

Despite the suspension of regular operations, the courts will continue to attend to urgent judicial matters such as bail applications, release orders, petitions for habeas corpus, and marriage solemnization on an on-call basis.

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Judges may also conduct videoconferencing hearings to handle urgent cases remotely.

The directive is in line with Circular No. 291-2025, issued by the Supreme Court’s Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) on 04 October 2025, and authorized by Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen.

The circular covers trial courts not only in Cebu City but also in Bogo City, Iloilo City, and Roxas City, pending independent structural and electrical assessments of their respective Halls of Justice.

"The affected courts shall remain available for essential judicial action on an on-call basis to act on urgent matters," the OCA circular read. Judges are also encouraged to conduct videoconferencing, especially for time-sensitive proceedings, like arraignment and pretrial, to prevent delays in the administration of justice.

The Court Administrator, Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta, also directed executive and presiding judges in the affected areas to find alternative venues for hearings if necessary and to coordinate with their respective Regional Court managers for logistical support.

The temporary suspension underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its personnel and stakeholders while maintaining access to essential judicial services amid post-earthquake assessments and recovery efforts.