Following the declaration of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the provinces of Abra, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Quirino, Rizal, and Santiago City in Isabela and the Amended Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) – Office of Legal Service informs the public that the suspension of face-to-face hearings and mediation conferences for all administrative cases pending before the Professional Regulatory Boards is extended until April 30, 2021 or until affected areas have been placed under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

To ensure minimal disruption of work operations in the Office of the Legal Services, the following shall be implemented:

• Administrative cases with face-to-face hearings and mediation conference already scheduled from April 22 to 30, 2021 shall be postponed to a later date with due notice to the parties concerned.
• The hearing officers are directed to dispose of cases ready for resolution during the period of suspension of hearings.
• The time for the physical filing and service of pleadings and motions during this period is SUSPENDED and shall resume seven (7) calendar days counted from the first day of the imposition of the GCQ.
• In lieu of the suspension of face-to-face hearings and mediation conferences, Videoconference/Virtual Hearings shall be conducted.

For the full text of the guidelines on the conduct of hearings and administrative proceedings via videoconferencing, please click this link: https://www.prc.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2021-34.pdf.

For further queries and concerns, you may reach the Office of the Legal Service in the email addresses provided in this link: https://www.prc.gov.ph/prc-central-office-contact-information and https://www.prc.gov.ph/public-assistance.