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For 3rd time, Covid woes force SC to nix ATA oral arguments

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THE Supreme Court has cancelled the continuation of oral arguments on the 37 petitions seeking to declare unconstitutional the Anti-Terrorism Act, scheduled on Tuesday, to give way to a more thorough disinfection of its compound amid the  rising number of Covid-19 cases in the country.

The oral argument was cancelled as the SC extended until March 16 the work suspension in all its main offices.

In a memorandum released at the weekend, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said “more time is needed to complete and accomplish a more thorough disinfection of the Supreme Court officers in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and its new variant.”

Last week, the SC announced a four-day work suspension from March 11 to March 14, to give way for a massive disinfection and sanitation of its offices.

The  disinfection and sanitation would include different buildings and offices inside the SC compound.

“After consultation with the other 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,” the memorandum read.

CJ Peralta has given the chairperson or head of the committee discretion to proceed with previously scheduled meetings.

“Court sessions shall proceed via videoconferencing but the Oral Arguments scheduled on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 … is suspended,” the memorandum stated.

Meanwhile, on-duty personnel of the Medical and Dental Services (skeleton force), Security and Maintenance Division, Office of the Administrative-Services were allowed to report for work on March 15 to 16.

From March 17 to 19, the SC said all officers are required to maintain a skeleton force of 50 percent in order to maintain distancing of six feet.

It  would be the third time that the Court cancelled the oral argument on the ATA. The first was on February 23, 2021 after some magistrates also decided to go on quarantine and the second time was on March 8, also for the same reason.

In a related development, the Bureau of Immigration also said that it is closing the  operations of its main office in Intramuros, Manila for thorough sanitation and disinfections against Covid-19.

It advised clients with confirmed online appointment to re-book for when its operation resumes.

“The Bureau encourages all officials and employees to stay home during the said period,” the BI said in its advisory.

Skeletal workforce arrangement, according to the BI, will continue in offices such as the Medical and Dental Section, Administrative Proper, General Services Section, Property Section (logistics), Civil Security Unit, BI National Operations Center (BINOC), Management Information Systems Division and other offices rendering general and critical support services.

Read full article on BusinessMirror

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