Offices at the Supreme Court may allow up to 30% of its workforce to report physically, from October 20 to 29, as the National Capital Region transitions to Alert Level 3 for the rest of the month.

Acting Chief Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe, in a memorandum released on Tuesday, however, said that the SC’s Office of the Bar Confidant, Medical and Dental Services, Security Division and Maintenance Division may have a maximum of 50% of their workforce reporting physically.

The SC said that the health condition of employees reporting to the office shall be checked upon entering the Court’s premises. They will also be on a rotation basis. Work hours shall be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Those who will be reporting physically to their offices for the first time, coming from 15 days of working from home must first undergo an antigen test before proceeding to their units.

Staff assigned to physically report to their offices but live in areas under granular lockdown will be replaced by employees residing in areas under lower alert levels, the SC said.

The high court also extended the SC’s “no personal filing” policy until further notice.

In August, the SC issued a memorandum to litigants, lawyers, and parties pleadings and documents can be submitted online or through post office mail and accredited courier firms.

Metro Manila courts meanwhile have started in-court trials in a limited capacity since October 18, with the easing of protocols in the region.