[The guidelines were issued on 29 April 2020 by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), as amended by subsequent Resolutions of the IATF, as noted in the appropriate provisions. The full text of the Omnibus Guidelines is reproduced below. Added: See Revised Omnibus Guidelines.]
Continue readingThe President identified areas under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ), and declared that no LGU shall declare its own community quarantine without observing the procedures set forth by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). The definitive guidelines are contained in Executive Order No. 112 issued on 30 April 2020. [Update: Revised list, as of 15 May 2020]
Continue readingThe Chairperson of the 2019 Bar Examinations, Supreme Court Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe, announced that a total of 2,103 out of the 7,685 bar examinees passed the bar exams. The full list is included after the Top 10 list. Congratulations!
Continue readingThe Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) has been extended until 15 May 2020 (see update under Executive Order No. 112 issued on 30 April 2020). The ECQ was previously scheduled to last only until 30 April 2020. Based on the recommendations of the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), there will be a further evaluation if the ECQ can be relaxed starting 16 May 2020. [Update: Quarantine classifications from 1 to 15 June 2020]
Continue reading[See results] The Bar Confidant announced that the results of the 2019 Bar Examinations will be released on 29 April 2020. The bar exam results will be uploaded in the Supreme Court website on 29 April 2019 after the Supreme Court en banc session.
Continue readingThe President has issued a directive for the issuance of guidelines on the interruption of periods for the filing of documents, payment of taxes and other fees, and cancellation of proceedings by reason of the community quarantine. Note that a “community quarantine” may refer to a general community quarantine or an enhanced community quarantine.
Continue readingThe conduct of pre-trial conference is mandatory. There are significant changes provided in the 2019 Proposed Amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure (hereinafter, “2019 Amendments”), which takes effect on 1 May 2020. We thought it might be helpful to provide a summary/discussion on Rule 18 (Pre-Trial). The summary of other Rules can be tracked through the Menu.
Continue reading[All court hearings throughout the Philippines, except urgent matters, are suspended until the end of the extended Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), or until 30 April 2020. Court deadlines falling on or before 30 April 2020, are extended until 31 May 2020. Note, however, that the ECQ has been extended until 15 May 2020. Here is the full text of SC Administrative Circular No. 34-2020.]
Continue readingThe entire Luzon has been placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), also called a lockdown, by the President. On 8 March 2020, the President issued Proclamation No. 922, declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19). A lockdown was declared on 14 March 2020 over the National Capital Region (NCR), expanded to the entire Luzon effective 17 March 2020. The ECQ has been extended to 30 April 2020; further extended to May 15 in high-risk areas. Local Government Units (LGUs) throughout the Philippines also declared a lockdown in their respective territorial jurisdictions.
Continue readingRunning out of shampoo and conditioner? Or pet food and hardware items? Trust the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to come to your rescue. With the extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon (update: new quarantine classifications from 1 to 15 June 2020), the DTI found the need to expand the list of allowed essential business activities to ensure their availability, subject to compliance with existing social distancing, safety and health, and infection control measures. This means that the following must be allowed through checkpoints, nationwide, per DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-16.
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