The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued a directive on the extension of operating hours for retail stores during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period, reiterating an earlier IATF Resolution. DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-15 dated 11 April 2020 covers ALL the following retail establishments:
- supermarkets
- groceries
- agri-fisheries stores
- public markets
- pharmaceutical and drugstores
- retailers of basic necessities and prime commodities
- retailers of essential goods and medical products
The enumerated retail establishments are allowed to operate up to a maximum of twelve (12) hours. The extension of store hours is intended to spread the flow of customers in keeping with the social distancing directives and enable the establishments to increase the number of people served daily.
The extended store hours is not mandatory for retail establishments, as can be gleaned from the language of Memorandum Circular No. 20-15. However, once the retail establishment exercises its discretion to operate up to a maximum of 12 hours, all local government units (LGUs) are required to allow such extended operation.
Any doubt shall be construed against any person disregarding the provisions of the DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-15, subject to the corresponding penalty under applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
- Extension of Filing Periods and Suspension of Hearings for March 29 to April 4, 2021: SC Administrative Circular No. 14-2021 (Full Text) - March 28, 2021
- ECQ Bubble for NCR, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal: Resolution No. 106-A (Full Text) - March 27, 2021
- Guidelines on the Administration of COVID-19 Vaccines in the Workplaces (Labor Advisory No. 3) - March 12, 2021