The Supreme Court (SC) ordered judges to inspect jail facilities in the country to ensure the persons deprived of liberties (PDL) were in good condition amid the continuous extreme heat.

"PDL may also be negatively impacted by these extreme heat and weather conditions, more so as they are detained in crowded facilities," the SC said in a statement.

Based on SC's Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) No. 01-2024, all judges are directed to conduct jail visitation at least once within their respective jurisdiction on any day not later than Mary 31.

BASAHIN: Inatasan ng Korte Suprema ang mga judge na mag-inspeksyon sa mga jail facility upang tiyakin ang kondisyon ng mga PDL sa gitna ng mainit na panahon. | RH 29 @boy_gonzales #SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/oa9v0OXmFb

— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) May 3, 2024

"The sole purpose of determining how PDLs were affected by this heat wave. is in addition to the required regular quarterly jail visit per OCA Circular No. 01-2024," the highest court's order read.

On April 4, the SC adjusted its work operations to 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. also due to dangerous heat indices based on the report of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA reported on Thursday that 39 areas in the country experienced a ‘danger level’ of heat index.