Dispute Resolution, Litigation, Arbitration

Prosecutors Limited to Inquest and Urgent Matters During the Enhanced Community Quarantine

In light of the declaration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), all prosecution offices nationwide shall be physically closed effective 23 March 2020 and for the duration of the public health emergency.

Prosecutors and their support staff members have been directed to stay at home and will only report to their offices to conduct inquest proceeding or other urgent matters when necessary. All prosecution offices shall coordinate with the local Philippine National Police (PNP) stations the names and contact details of designated contact/point persons who can conduct the inquest or attend to very urgent matters.

In addition, preliminary investigation and all other non-essential services as determined by the heads of offices are suspended. Hearings, case conferences, meetings, and trainings during the period of community quarantine shall be deemed cancelled and will be rescheduled after the lifting of the public health emergency.

Click here to read the entire text of DOJ Circular No. 008-C, series of 2020.


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