There appears to be a misconception that all donations related the Philippines’ fight against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-2019) pandemic must be coursed through the government. There is no such rule. Donors may still choose the recipients of their donations.
Continue reading[The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) earlier issued Labor Advisory No. 13 (full text), providing for guidelines on the payment of the double holiday pay on 9 April 2020 (Araw ng Kagitingan and Holy Thursday), regular holiday on 10 April 2020 (Good Friday) and special nonworking day on 11 April 2020. In a subsequent advisory, however, the Labor Secretary ordered the deferment of the payment of holiday pay and exempted certain companies by reason of the lockdown (added: ECQ effectively extended to 30 April 2020, per Memorandum dated 7 April 2020; further extended to May 15 for high-risk areas). The complete text of Labor Advisory No. 13-A is reproduced below.]
Continue reading[How do you compute holiday pay on a double holiday? The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Labor Advisory No. 13 as guide for the computation of holiday pay for a rare double holiday (Araw ng Kagitingan and Holy Thursday) on 9 April 2020), regular holiday (Good Friday) on 10 April 2020), as well as the special non-working day on 11 April 2020 (see also, list of 2020 holidays). However, take note of the deferment of payment and exemption of coverage per Labor Advisory No. 13-A (full text) by reason of the enhanced community quarantine. The complete text of Labor Advisory No. 13 is reproduced below.]
Continue readingThe grant of grace period for all loans, which is part of the emergency powers granted by Congress to the President, is now set for implementation. On 1 April 2020, the Department of Finance (DOF) issued the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Section 4(aa) of Republic Act No. 11469, Otherwise Known as the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”. The salient points of the IRR are as follows:
Continue reading[On 1 April 2020, the Department of Finance (DOF) issued the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Section 4 (aa) of Republic Act No. 11469, otherwise known as the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”. Refer to the extended discussion or the latest BSP FAQ. Note the important changes introduced by IATF Resolution No. 33. See updated classifications. Here is the full text of the IRR.]
Continue readingThe Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers Program (TUPAD) is one of the programs of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which aims to contribute to poverty reduction and inclusive growth. It is a community-based (municipality/barangay) package of assistance that provides temporary wage employment for the displaced workers, unemployed and self-employed workers. (Added: This is now part of the social amelioration programs under the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1; see List of Social Amelioration Programs).
Continue readingSenior citizens are more vulnerable to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), according to reports, and because of this, some groceries, supermarkets and other retail stores are not allowing senior citizens to enter and shop. This is addressed in a new circular issued by the Bureau of Trade and Industry (DTI). Memorandum Circular No. 20-09 (full text) enjoins all supermarkets, groceries, pharmacies and drug stores and other businesses to implement the following:
Continue reading[On 28 March 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued Memorandum Circular No. 20-09, providing for exemption from lines or queues, a “Senior Only” shopping hour, and “Pagpapahalaga” Express Lane, in all supermarkets, groceries, pharmacies and drug stores, and other businesses authorized to continue business operations during the enhanced community quarantine. Here is the full text of MC 20-09.]
Continue readingThere is an understandable expression of frustration, on the part of the public, over the DOH delay in the purchase and release of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies/equipment needed to combat the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19). The agencies of the government, as well as the Local Government Units (LGUs), have calamity/emergency funds or quick reaction funds. There are times when funds allocated for a specific purpose or project is not enough and, when rapid action is needed in times of crises or emergencies, the responsible officer is faced with a sensitive issue.
Continue readingThe enhanced community quarantine or lockdown imposed by the government to mitigate the contagion of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) brings to fore a number of laws which, on hindsight, could have been passed in anticipation of this kind of scenario. One is the 2019 law on public health emergencies. Another is the 2018 law on telecommuting, including alternative work-from-home arrangements.
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