Supreme Court Halts Operations for Feast of Jesus Nazareno on January 9

The Supreme Court (SC) in Manila will cease operations on January 9 to honor the Feast of Jesus Nazareno, a major religious event in the Philippines. Maria Carina Cunanan, the SC Deputy Clerk of Court and chief administrative officer, announced the suspension of work under the directive of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. Despite the general suspension, essential services will continue with minimal staffing in the Docket-Receiving Section of the Judicial Records Office and the Cash Collection and Disbursement Division of the Financial Management and Budget Office. Similarly, trial courts in Manila will also not operate on this day. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has designated January 9 as a special non-working day in Manila to facilitate the celebration. Last year’s festivities attracted 6.5 million attendees, and this year’s event is anticipated to draw even more. The celebration will kick off with a midnight Fiesta Mass on January 9, followed by the traditional ‘Traslacion’ procession from Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park to Quiapo Church.