Court operations across Metro Manila are being suspended for two days, November 17 and 18, as a major rally led by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) is anticipated to cause severe traffic congestion in the capital region.
The Supreme Court Public Information Office announced the directive, stating that all affected courts would transition to a mandatory work-from-home setup to minimize disruption while ensuring the safety and mobility of court personnel and the public.
The rally, which began at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park on Sunday, is part of a three-day demonstration calling for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects. Protesters are demanding accountability for those responsible and the recovery of misused public funds.
The decision to implement the work-from-home setup was made in anticipation of the immense traffic gridlock expected from the thousands of INC members participating in the ongoing protests, which are scheduled to continue through Tuesday.
The suspension order affects key judicial institutions across the region, including the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals Manila Station, the Sandiganbayan (Anti-Graft Court), the Court of Tax Appeals, and all local courts in Manila.
While general proceedings are halted, essential services will be maintained by a skeleton workforce in critical areas, such as the Docket-Receiving Sections, Cash Collection and Disbursement Divisions, and Security and Sheriff Services.