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The Supreme Court (SC) said Tuesday it would hold its summer sessions, including oral arguments, in Manila instead of Baguio City in April due to rising fuel prices amid tensions in the Middle East.
According to the High Court, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmindo noted the tribunal’s responsibility to remain mindful of current national conditions while ensuring the steady delivery of justice.
The SC said the oral arguments on the consolidated petitions questioning provisions relating to unprogrammed funds and special accounts in the General Appropriation Acts (GAA) from 2024 to 2026 will be held on April 7 and 21.
Meanwhile, the oral arguments on foreign divorce will be held on April 28.
These will be held at the SC En Banc Session Hall in Manila.
It said the adjustment is also part of the High Court’s energy conservation measures, which took effect on March 8.
“The holding of Summer Sessions in Baguio City has been a longstanding tradition of the SC, dating back to 1948 during the tenure of Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran,” the SC said.
“Moving this year’s Summer Sessions to Manila does not prevent the Court from holding special sessions in Baguio once conditions return to normal,” it added.
According to the court, the summer sessions in Manila will be from April 6 to 30.
Motorists are set to face higher pump prices anew this week as retailers announced another round of hikes—marking the 11th consecutive increase for gasoline and the 13th for both diesel and kerosene.
Meanwhile, Malacañang brushed off concerns of an oil crisis in the country, saying fuel supply remains adequate but acknowledged a prevailing “price disruption.” — VDV, GMA Integrated News
