DAR extends suspension of adjudication proceedings

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has extended the suspension of the operation of its adjudication board in areas that are still under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

“The office of the DAR Adjudication Board (DARAB) and the regional and provincial adjudicators in these areas should remain closed for the duration of the extended ECQ until May 15,” Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones said in a memorandum dated April 27 and released to the media yesterday.

“All mandatory mediation, conferences and hearings that were scheduled between March 15 and May 15 in areas still under ECQ are continually suspended and reset,” Castriciones said.

He said the deadline or reglamentary period for the filing of pleadings, motions, position and other relevant papers as well as for the rendition of judgment, motions and orders is reset again.

He said the DARAB central office would start receiving transmittal of records on appeal on May 18.

The sectorial deadline to resolve all pending 2019 received cases is rescheduled from June 1 to 30.

“This means all adjudicators, including those in quarantine areas, will continue drafting decisions, resolutions and orders, be it at the office or at home,” Castriciones said.

As for the areas that were shifted to general community quarantine, the adjudication offices may start operating subject to health and safety protocols imposed by the local government units, the DAR said.