Philippine Supreme Court to hold 2026 summer sessions in Manila, not Baguio

The Philippine Supreme Court (SC) will hold its 2026 Summer Sessions in Manila instead of Baguio City due to concerns over oil supply and price hikes.

The 2026 Summer Sessions will run from April 6 to 30.

In a press statement, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo announced the change after consulting with the SC En Banc.

Traditionally, during the high court's summer sessions in Baguio City, the SC Justices deliberate on cases, resolve urgent motions, conduct or prepare for oral arguments, attend to committee work, and write decisions and resolutions.

The SC's tradition of holding Summer Sessions in Baguio City dates back to 1948 during the tenure of Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran. 

"Moving this year’s Summer Sessions to Manila does not prevent the Court from holding special sessions in Baguio once conditions return to normal," the SC said.

The SC said oral arguments in the following cases will proceed as scheduled, but will now be held at the SC En Banc Session Hall in Manila:

1. G.R. No. 271059, et al. (Lagman et al. v. The Congress of the Philippines, et al). – April 7 and 21, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

2. G.R. No. 257575 (Baluyot v. Antonio-Baluyot) – April 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

The adjustment is also part of the SC's energy conservation measures under SC Memorandum Circular No. 02-2026, which took effect on March 8, 2026.

-Paraluman News