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 the contributions read also: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GUIDELINES FOR AREAS PLACED UNDER MODIFIED ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE
The “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act” directs all banks, quasi-banks, financing companies, lending companies, and other financial institutions, public and private, including Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS) and Pag-ibig Fund, to implement a minimum of a thirty (30)-day grace period of the payment of all loans, including but not limited to salary, personal housing, and motor vehicle loans as well as credit card payments, falling due within the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). The extended payment is without interests, penalties, fees, or other charges. The same applies to obligations of persons with multiple loans.
In compliance with “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act”, SSS has extended payment of premium contributions. For self-employed, voluntary, and non-working spouse members, they can pay their SSS contributions for the applicable months of January, February and March 2020, or until June 1, 2020. As for all regular and household employers, contributions for the applicable months of February, March, and April may be paid until June 1, 2020. As regards employers with approved installment proposals under the Contribution Penalty Condonation Program (SSS Circular No. 2019-004) must deposit their post-dated checks due in February, March, April, and May 2020 on June 1, 2020.
PhilHealth also issued a moratorium on contribution payments for the applicable months of February, March, and April 2020 where the payment of premiums for these months is extended until May 31, 2020 without interest for all Direct Contributors.
Different private entities, in consonance with “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”, have also provided different payment schemes for bills payment. For instance is the six (6)-month installment payment program of PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. The 6-month installment payment program was announced through their Customer Advisory dated April 15, 2020 which was also posted on their official Facebook Page (PLDT Home) on the same date, April 15, 2020 at 9:25 AM.
As regards residential rents falling due within the period of Enhanced Community Quarantine, the same Act provides for a minimum of thirty (30)-day grace period without incurring interests, penalties, fees and other charges.
Should the ECQ be extended, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act” provides that the initial thirty (30)-day grace period shall automatically be extended by the President pursuant to his emergency powers.
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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