Published — June 1, 2022
The following post does not create a lawyer-client relationship between Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices (or any of its lawyers) and the reader. It is still best for you to engage the services of your own lawyer to address your legal concerns, if any.
Also, the matters contained in the following were written in accordance with the law, rules, and jurisprudence prevailing at the time of writing and posting, and do not include any future developments on the subject matter under discussion.
Aside from these guidelines read also: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GUIDELINES FOR AREAS PLACED UNDER MODIFIED ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE
The National Capital Region and some parts of the Philippines were placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) last June 01, 2020. GCQ refers to the implementation of temporary measures limiting movement and transportation, regulation of operating industries, and presence of uniformed personnel to enforce community quarantine protocols.
Few days after GCQ, evident problems such as those relating to insufficient or lack of public transportation to attend to the traveling needs of citizens have emerged. It seems that some of us are not aware of with the developments under GCQ. What now should we expect in areas under GCQ?
Under Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease, movement of all persons are limited to accessing essential goods and services, and for work in the offices or industries permitted to operate. Clearly, movement for leisure or for any other purpose except those afore-stated is not allowed. Persons below twenty -one (21) years old, persons aged sixty (60) years and above, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities or other health risks, pregnant women, or any person who resides with the aforementioned are not allowed to go out except when obtaining essential goods.
Are mass gatherings allowed? No. Mass gatherings are still prohibited and highly discouraged under the GCQ. However, essential gatherings and religious activities may continue as long as strict and social distancing is maintained during the entirety of the event. At least two (2) meters distance between and among those attending must be observed along with mandatory wearing of face mask, face shield, or other facial protective equipment by attendees. Public transportation shall operate at a reduced capacity in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). A strict one (1) meter distance between passengers shall be observed in all public transports.
Are government offices allowed to operate? Government offices may be allowed to operate at full capacity or under such alternative work arrangements as agencies may deem proper in accordance to issuances by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). How about industries, are they allowed to operate? Industries, depending on their categories, are allowed to operate either at full capacity or fifty (50%) capacity. Industries under Category I are allowed at full operational capacity. Industries under Category II are allowed at anywhere between fifty (50%) up to full operational capacity. For industries under Category III, they are allowed to operate at 50% work-on-site arrangement. The operations of both Categories II and III are without prejudice to work-from-home and other alternative work arrangements. The operation of malls and shopping centers shall be limited. Also, amusement, gaming, and fitness establishment, as well as those in the kids and the tourism industries may not operate.
Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices specializes in business law and labor law consulting. For inquiries, you may reach us at info@alburolaw.com, or dial us at (02)7745-4391/0917-5772207.
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