SUBJECT: Implementation of Section 1, Ride 137 of the Rules of Court, as amended by the En Banc Resolution dated June 3, 2008, in A.M. No. 08-4-1-SC, re: disqualification of all…

1. Clerks of court, assistant clerks of court, deputy clerks of court ; and branch clerks of court in all levels shall conduct a screening of cases now pending before their respective courts or divisions to verify and report in writing to their respective presiding judges, Chairpersons of Divisions, or en banc cases, to the Presiding Justice and Chief Justice, as the case may : be, if there are grounds for their disqualification in regard to the performance of their functions and duties, under the first paragraph of Section 1, Rule 137  of the Rules of Court.

2.  The  Court Administrator  shall cause the immediate dissemination of this Administrative Circular to all clerks of court, assistant clerks of court, deputy clerks of court, branch clerks of court, trial courts and inks of the first and second level; and submit within 30 days from notice [herein Circular, for approval by the Court, an appropriate procedure for temporary replacements  of clerks  of court  in  the  handling  of the particular cases from which they are disqualified under Section 1, Rule 137 of the Rules of Court, as amended.

3. The Presiding Justices of the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and Court of Tax Appeals are directed to submit within 30 days from notice of herein Circular, for approval by the Court, their respective internal rules fl the temporary replacements of their respective clerks of court in the handling of the particular cases from which they are disqualified in regard to performance of their respective functions and duties under Section 1, Rule 137 of the Rules of Court, as amended.

4. The Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court is directed to submit, within 30 days from notice of herein Circular, for approval of the Court, the procedure for temporary replacement of the SC Clerks of Court and Assistant Clerks of Court covering particular cases from which they are disqualified under Section 1, Rule 137 of the Rules of Court, as amended.

Issued this   3rd  day of   June     , 2008.

   
 

	(Sgd.) REYNATO S. PUNO
	Chief Justice