1. Submission of CTRs, STRs, and KYC Documents.

• For purposes of counting of the prescribed reporting period, 12 to 13 March 2020 are officially declared as workday suspensions. Likewise, 17 March to 12 April 2020 shall be considered as workday suspensions in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 929, which imposes the ECQ throughout Luzon, unless revoked earlier when ECQ conditions improve.
• All specified deadlines in regard to pending requests for submission of know-your-customer (KYC) documents as well as requests during the ECQ period (17 March to 12 April 2020) are suspended, unless said period is cut short or extended, depending on the conditions upon which the ECQ period was fixed.

More information is available at: https://www.amlc.gov.ph/

2. Suspension of proceedings in the Adjudication and Enforcement Unit (AEU)

• The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) including its Adjudication and Enforcement Unit (AEU) have been directed to work from home (WFH) effective 17 March 2020 and expiring on 12 April 2020
• All scheduled clarificatory hearings and deadlines to file any pleading within this ECQ period are hereby suspended and the AEU shall set another date for said hearings or deadlines to file such pleadings after the ECQ period.

More information is available at: https://www.amlc.gov.ph/

1. Response Plan to Coronavirus Diseas 2019 (COVID-19) Epidemic

• More information is available at: https://www.bsp.gov.ph/

2. Submission of Reports/Documents and Communications to the BSP Financial Supervision Sector (FSS)

• More information is available at: https://www.bsp.gov.ph/

3. Regulatory Relief for BSFIs Affected by the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

• More information is available at: https://www.bsp.gov.ph/

4. Reminder Against COVID-19 Pandemic Themed Malicious Websites and Phishing Campaigns

• More information is available at: https://www.bsp.gov.ph/

5. IDs for BSFIs Personnel Exempted from the Enhanced Community Quarantine

• More information is available at: httpss://drive.google.com/

6. Additional Operational Relief for BSFIs Affected by Measures to Manage the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation and its Health and Safety Risk

• More information is available at: httpss://drive.google.com/

7. Deferment of Weekly Submission of FX Form 1 Report and Rescheduling of the Implementation of the International Transactions Reporting System (ITRS) for Banks

• More information is available at: httpss://drive.google.com/

8. Amendments to the Standard Operating Procedures for Philippine Holidays in View of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak

• More information is available at: httpss://drive.google.com/

9. Relief Measure on Customer Identification to Manage the Corona Virus Disease

• More information is available at: httpss://drive.google.com/

10. Submission of Reports/Documents and Communications to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) – Department of Loans and Credit (DLC) and Relaxation in Regulations Governing Submission of Applications for Rediscounting Line (RL) and Availments for Rediscounting Loan from BSP, and Relevant Documentary Requirements

• More information is available at: httpss://drive.google.com/

11. Implementing Rules and Regulations of Section 4(aa) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11469, otherwise Known as the “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act”

• More information is available at: httpss://drive.google.com/

1. BOC Extends Accreditation of Stakeholders Amidst Enhanced Community Quarantine (posted March 20, 2020)

• More information is available at: https://customs.gov.ph/

2. BOC Ensures Expeditious Release of PPEs, Medical Supplies (posted March 18, 2020)

• More information is available at: https://customs.gov.ph/

3. BOC urges industry partners to remain open with services (posted March 18, 2020)

• More information is available at: https://customs.gov.ph/

1. Immigration Memorandum Circular No. JHM-2020-002

• Effective 22 March 2020, the entry of foreign nationals shall be highly restricted.
• Foreigners outside the country either with immigrant, non-immigrant, or special visas shall not be allowed to enter the Philippines, except for:
  • Accredited Foreign Government and International Organization officials and their dependents;
  • Foreign spouses and children of Filipino nationals; and
    Foreign airline crew.

More information is available at:
https://immigration.gov.ph/

2. Advisory: Payment of ACR I-Card Waiver Application Fee and ECC/RP or ECC/SRC in lieu of ACR I-Card Waiver Order

• During the Enhanced Community Quarantine, departing passengers with approved and implemented visas but pending release of their ACR I-Cards will no longer be required to secure an ACR I-Card Waiver Order.
• In lieu of the ACR I-Card Waiver Order, departing passenger during departure formalities shall present:
  • Passport with valid visa (implementation stamp) affixed; and
    Official Receipts of their:
    • ACR I-Card Waiver Application Fee, and
    • ECC/RP or ECC/SRC, whichever is applicable.

More information is available at: https://www.immigration.gov.ph/

3. Advisory: Further Compliance with Enhanced Community Quarantine’s Directive to Work From Home dated 20 March 2020

• During the Enhanced Community Quarantine period and to assist departing foreigners, TVS shall directly submit to OCOM its recommendation for the extension of foreigners who overstayed for more than 12 months or who have stayed in the Philippines beyond the allowed accumulated period of 24 months (for restricted foreigners) or 36 months (for non-restricted foreigners).
• Departing passengers with pending applications for renewal, extension, or amendments of their immigrant or non-immigrant visas will no longer be required to secure a Grace Period Order. In lieu of the Grace Period Order, the foreigners shall present certain documents to the Immigration Officer during departure formalities.

More information is available at: https://www.immigration.gov.ph/

4. Advisory to the Public dated 19 March 2020

• The enumerated transactions at the BIR offices in Luzon are temporarily suspended except for outbound passengers intending to depart the Philippines from any of the international airports in Luzon during the effectivity of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.
• All aliens whose visas will expire during the duration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine shall be allowed to file their applications for extension provided they file within 30 days from the lifting of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

More information is available at: https://www.immigration.gov.ph/

5. Bureau of Immigration activates medical task group to fight COVID-19

More information is available at: https://immigration.gov.ph/

6. Bureau of Immigration appeals for support, PPEs, amidst Covid-2019 outbreak

More information is available at: https://immigration.gov.ph/

7. Bureau of Immigration temporarily suspends transactions in Luzon

More information is available at: https://immigration.gov.ph/

8. Foreign nationals, balikbayans, OFWs, may now depart PH during community quarantine period

More information is available at: https://immigration.gov.ph/

9. Bureau of Immigration implements flight restrictions during Luzon enhanced community quarantine

More information is available at: https://immigration.gov.ph/

10. Expanded Travel Restrictions to include Iran and Italy

More information is available at: https://immigration.gov.ph/

1. Revenue Memorandum Circular 33-2020

• The deadline to avail of the tax amnesty on delinquencies is hereby extended from April 23, 2020 to May 23, 2020.

More information is available at:
httpss://www.bir.gov.ph/

2. Revenue Regulations No. 5-2020, amending Revenue Regulations No. 4-2019 on Tax Amnesty on Delinquencies

• Section 3 of Revenue Regulations No. 4-2019 enumerating the coverage of the Tax Amnesty on Delinquencies is amended as follows:

“All persons, whether natural or juridical, with internal revenue tax liabilities covering taxable year 2017 and prior years, may avail of Tax Amnesty on Delinquencies within one (1) year from the effectivity of these Regulations or until April 23, 2020, under any of the instances listed below. However, the said date may be extended if the circumstances warrant an extension such as in case of country-wide economic or health reason/s.”

More information is available at:
httpss://www.bir.gov.ph/

3. Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 32-2020

• The filing of the Certificate of Residence for Tax Treaty Relief (CORTT) Forms for final withholding taxes due on dividend, interest, and royalty on or before March 10, 2020, which should have been made on or before April 13, 2020, is extended until April 30, 2020 without imposition of penalties.

More information is available at:
httpss://www.bir.gov.ph/

4. Revenue Memorandum Circular 31-2020

• An extension of 30 days from the date of the lifting of the Enhanced Community Quarantine is given for the submission of the following document/correspondence:
  • Letter Answer to Notice of Informal Conference (NIC);
  • Response to the Preliminary Assessment Notice (PAN);
  • Protest Letter to Final Assessment Notice (FAN)/Formal Letter of Demand (FLD);
  • Submission of relevant supporting documents to support the request for re-investigation of audit cases with FAN/FLD;
  • Appeal/Request for Reconsideration to the Commissioner on Final Decision on Disputed Assessment (FDDA); and
  • Other similar letters and correspondences with due dates.
• The extension shall apply to taxpayers whose response to the received NIC, PAN, FLD, FDDA, and other similar notices fall due on the dates covered within the period of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

More information is available at:
httpss://www.bir.gov.ph/

5. Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 30-2020, amending Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 29-2020 and clarifying Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 28-2020

• The required attachments for the filing of the 2019 Annual Income Tax Returns shall likewise be due on or before May 15, 2020.
• The filing/submission of other reportorial requirements which were omitted and whose due date fall within the Enhanced Community Quarantine Period (ECQ) shall be extended for 30 calendar days from its due date.
• If the ECQ period will be extended further, then the filing of returns and payment of corresponding taxes shall be extended by 30 calendar days.

More information is available at:
httpss://www.bir.gov.ph/

6. Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 28-2020, amending Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 25-2020 on filing of the 2019 Annual Income Tax Returns

• The filing and payment of the 2019 Annual Income Tax Returns is extended from April 15, 2020 to May 15, 2020 without the imposition of penalties to taxpayers.
• The filing and payment of taxes due may be made to any Authorized Agent Banks nearest the location of the taxpayer or to any Revenue Collection Officer under the Revenue District Office (file and pay anywhere).

More information is available at: httpss://www.bir.gov.ph/

7. Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 27-2020: Extending the Deadline for the Filing of Applications for VAT Refund and Ninety (90) Day Processing Period pursuant to Section 112 of the Tax Code of 1997, as amended by R.A. No. 10963 (TRAIN Law)

• The filing of Value Added Tax (VAT) refund application covering the quarter ending March 31, 2018 can still be accepted until April 30, 2020.
• The 90-day period processing of VAT refund claims by the processing offices for (i) those claims that are currently being evaluated and (ii) those that may be received from March 16 to April 14, 2020 is suspended and that the counting of the number of processing days shall resume after the lifting of the “community quarantine” issued by the President.

More information is available at: httpss://www.bir.gov.ph/

8. Revenue Memorandum No. 29-2020, amending Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 26-2020

• Provides for the extension and new deadlines for the filing and payment of the following tax returns – BIR Forms 2550M, 2550Q, 1600WP, 1601C, 0619E, 0619F, 1702Q, 1604-CF, 1604-E, 2316, 2000, 2000-OT, 1600, 1606, and 2200M.
• For all ONETT transactions (BIR Form Nos. 1706, 1707, 1800, 1801, and 1606), if the date for its payment falls within the Enhanced Community Quarantine Period, the period to file the return and pay the corresponding tax due is extended for 30 calendar days from due date.

More information is available at: httpss://www.bir.gov.ph/

9. Revenue Regulations No. 7-2020̛

• Implements Section 4(z) of Republic Act No. 11469, otherwise known as “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”
• Extension of the statutory deadlines and timelines for the filing and submission of tax returns, other documents, and payment of taxes.

More information available at: httpss://www.bir.gov.ph/

10. Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 34-2020

• The running of the Statute of Limitations in the assessment and a collection of taxes pursuant to Section 223 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, is suspended due to the declaration of a national emergency from the COVID-19.
• The suspension shall be for a period starting on March 16, 2020 until the lifting of the state of national emergency and for sixty (60) days thereafter.
• The suspension shall also apply with respect to the issuance and services of assessment notices, warrants and enforcement and/or collection of deficiency taxes.

More information available at: httpss://www.bir.gov.ph/

11. Revenue Memorandum Circular No 35-2020

• All banks, quasi-banks, financing companies, lending companies, and other financial institutions, public and private, including the GSIS, SSS, and Pag-Ibig Fund, in extending the grace period for the payment of all loans shall not impose additional documentary stamp tax (DST) imposed under Sections 179, 195, and 198 of the National Internal Revenue Code, for credit extensions and credit restructuring, micro-lending including those obtained from pawnshops and extensions thereof during the covered period.

More information available at: httpss://www.bir.gov.ph/

1. Advisory on Guidelines relative to inbound travelers and the issuance of visa

Visa issuance to all foreign nationals is suspended with immediate effect. Visa-free privileges based on Visa Waiver Agreements, those under Executive Order 408, s.1960, holders of Hong Kong and Macau SAR passports, Macau-Portuguese passports and British National Overseas passports are also suspended effective 22 March 2020. Foreign spouses and children of Filipinos are exempted from the above suspension

Effective 22 March 2020, only the following shall be allowed to enter the country:

• Filipinos, their foreign spouse and children (with documentary proof)
• Accredited foreign government and international organizations officials
• Foreign airline crew members

Only the following shall be allowed to exit the country via any port of Luzon:

• Foreign nationals
• Permanent residents and student visa holders*
• OFWs*

*For China, returning OFWs only, except in Hubei Province and Wuhan City;

*Except in North Gyeongsan, Cheongdo and Daegu, Iran and Italy.

Foreign nationals with visas previously issued by Foreign Service Posts (FSPs) will not

be allowed entry into the country starting 22 March 2020, except:

• Accredited Foreign Government and International Organization officials and their dependents; and
• Foreign spouses and children of Filipino nationals whose visas will remain valid and will be honored when entering the country even after said date.

More information is available at: https://www.cab.gov.ph/

2. MCIAA Memorandum Order – Exemption of Flight Crew from Regular Quarantine Protocol

• Active flight crews shall not be subject to the 14-day mandatory quarantine;

More information is available at: https://www.cab.gov.ph/

3. Interim Guidelines on the Rules of Procedure Governing Hearings Before the CAB during the effectivity of IATF Resoution No. 11

• As much as possible, all transactions prior, during, and after the hearing shall be conducted via electronic means. Physical presence for Pre-Marking shall be temporarily waived. Submission of documents may be done via e-mail with corresponding attestation to veracity and authenticity. Physical presence during the hearing date shall be waived. All motions, objections, manifestations, and petitions must be made in writing and filed through electronic means.

More information is available at: https://www.cab.gov.ph/

1. Interim Guidance for Environmental Cleaning in Non-Healthcare Facilities exposed to SARS-CoV-2 – httpss://caap.gov.ph/

2. Draft Guidance: How to Protect against COVID-19 in the Hotel Industry – httpss://caap.gov.ph/

3. COVID-19 Situation Report 37 from the WHO – httpss://caap.gov.ph/

WORKPLACE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued its first major COVID-19 issuance, DOLE Labor Advisory No. 4-2020, on 31 January 2020, a day after the Philippines reported its first documented case of a COVID-19 infected person.

The Labor Advisory put in place guidelines to assist employers in the private sector to safeguard its workers from the disease. As a precautionary measure, employers were directed to implement the following:

1. Disseminate information about the COVID-19 virus, including its transmission, effect, and treatment options, to workers;
2. Regularly clean and disinfect work areas and washrooms;
3. Avoid or reduce workers’ direct exposure to animals, environments, and objects which possible carriers of the COVID-19 virus;
4. Ensure proper food preparation, handling, and cooking;
5. Emphasize actions to be undertaken by workers to stay healthy and keep the workplace clean (i.e., covering nose and mouth when coughing, sneezing, frequent washing of hands, avoiding close contact with sick people, drinking plenty of fluids, among others);
6. Monitor workers’ health, especially those experiencing flu-like symptoms and those who have travelled in countries afflicted by the COVID-19 virus.

Extra precautionary measures were also advised in workplaces where workers are evidently at risk of infection, such as health-care and other frontline services. These include the use of personal protective equipment and ensuring strict hygiene.

In the event that an employer suspects its worker as being afflicted by COVID-19, it should:

1. Provide the worker with a face mask and isolate him/her immediately in a separate well-ventilated room;
2. Refer the worker to the company healthcare provider or the nearest local health center or hospital for laboratory confirmation of the suspected affliction;
3. Report the worker to the Department of Health (DOH) through any of its hotline ([02]8711-1001 or [02]8711-1102);
4. Implement the DOH’s recommended steps;
5. Observe respiratory precautions while taking care of the worker; and
6. Decontaminate the work area with appropriate disinfectant.

Employers were also directed to consider the following alternative arrangements for employees who are required to stay at home:

1. Charge to credited paid leaves of absence the unworked days. If these are used up, consider granting leave of absence without pay. Employers were encouraged to exercise flexibility and compassion in granting additional leave with pay.
2. Such other arrangements in lieu of a leave.

FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS

March 2020 started with the global COVID-19 confirmed case rising to 87,137. China and South Korea, both proximate countries, hit 79,968 and 3,736, respectively, then. The first COVID-19 death in the Philippines (the first outside China) was also registered a month prior, while two additional confirmed cases brought the recorded COVID-19 afflicted tally in the Philippines to three at the start of the month.

On 4 March 2020, the DOLE issued Labor Advisory No. 9-2020 recommending various flexible working arrangements (arrangements or schedules other than the traditional or standard work-hours, workdays, and workweek) that employers after consultation with the employees taking into consideration the adverse consequences of the COVID situation to the financial viability of the company may adopt as an alternative to outright termination of the services of the  employees or the total closure of the establishments.

Among the flexible working arrangements recommended by the DOLE include:

1. Reduction of work-hours and/or workdays;
2. Rotation of workers; and
3. Institutionalization of forced leaves.

Employers however were not limited to these three arrangements, as DOLE encouraged employers and employees to explore other alternative work schemes.

As a matter of administrative rule, an establishment implementing a flexible work arrangement are required to post in conspicuous location in the workplace a description of the scheme. The company is also required to notify the DOLE, through its regional, provincial, or field office covering their respective workplace, about the adoption of the alternative work arrangement using the report form (Establishment Report) provided by the DOLE. The Establishment Report form template is accessible through this link: httpss://www.dole.gov.ph/

ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE

The confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines exponentially grew in March 2020. By 12 March 2020, the number of confirmed cases reached 52.

On the evening of 12 March 2020, the Philippine President publicly announced that he approved the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease’s (IATF) resolution to impose a Metro-Manila-wide community quarantine until 12 April 2020.

The resolution encouraged the private sector to adopt flexible work arrangements during the quarantine period. Land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila were also suspended from 15 March 2020 to 14 April 2020. In addition, entry travel restrictions were imposed upon those travelling into the Philippines from countries with localized COVID-19 transmissions, except Filipino citizens, their foreign spouses and children, and holders of diplomatic visas.

The DOLE issued Labor Advisory No. 11-2020 on 14 March 2020 reiterating that there are better alternatives to outright termination of employees’ services and total closure of establishments – flexible work arrangements.

On 16 March 2020, the Philippine government augmented the quarantine by placing the entire Luzon group of islands (which encompass Metro Manila) under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until 13 April 2020.

The ECQ imposed a strict home quarantine to be observed in all households. Movement is limited to accessing basic necessities. Only private establishments providing basic necessities and such activities related to food and medicine production, business process outsourcing establishments, and export-oriented industries are allowed to remain open, with media personnel being allowed to travel within the quarantine area. Mass public transport facilities is also suspended.

The Philippines follows the principle of  “no-work-no-pay”  even during the ECQ. These applies especially to those establishments which are unable to provide a flexible/alternate work arrangement to a number or all of its employees. Employers, however, are enjoined by the DOLE  to allow its employees, if they so choose, to use their unused  paid leave credits during the time they are out of work due to the ECQ/COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, private establishments were also encouraged to grant additional paid leaves to their employees.

It should be noted that the DOLE forbids subjecting employees to any administrative sanction for failing or refusing to work by reason of imminent danger resulting from natural or man-made calamity (which includes the COVID-19 pandemic).

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: CAMP

To further alleviate the ECQ’s financial impact to the employees, the DOLE rolled out on 17 March 2020 its financial assistance program which it coined COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP).

Retained workers of a private establishment that implemented a flexible working arrangement or under temporary closure, who do not receive regular wage and  workers who are on forced leaves during the ECQ are entitled to receive a one-time lump sum amount of ₱5,000.00 (est. USD100.00) from the DOLE. The DOLE clarified that this applies to workers regardless of their status (i.e., permanent, probationary, or contractual) but does not apply to foreign workers and members of top management (chief executive officer, chief operating officer, executive director, etc.).

The CAMP is disbursed either directly to the employee’s payroll account or through money remittance.

Since the roll out of CAMP, the DOLE has issued several clarifications on its scope and applicability. Among these are:

1. The CAMP applies to workers regardless of their status (i.e., permanent, probationary or contractual) but does not cover foreign workers and members of top management (chief executive officer, chief operating officer, executive director, etc.).
2. The CAMP also applies to employees of large establishments, although the DOLE will prioritize employees of micro, small, and medium enterprises.
3. A worker may still qualify for CAMP even if s/he has yet to fully deplete his/her leave credits.
4. A worker may also still qualify even if the worker received in advance his/her 13th month pay as a special consideration due to the crisis.
5. If a worker in working from home and is fully paid his/her salary, he/she is not qualified for CAMP.
6. The employer may submit the employees’ pay slip in lieu of the payroll, in case it does not have a formal payroll.
7. There is no limit on how many employees per company may be eligible for CAMP. All those who are qualified should be applied by the company.
8. An employee may report to the DOLE his/her employer who refuses to apply its employees to avail of CAMP.
9. The DOLE will directly deposit the financial assistance to the payroll account of each employee.
10. A company’s branch office may apply for CAMP in the Regional/Provincial/Field Office covering the said branch office (i.e., not necessarily the DOLE office which has jurisdiction over the head office).

Application for the availment of the CAMP must be made by the company. To apply, the company must submit its Establishment Report and its payroll for the month prior to the implementation of the flexible working arrangement or temporary closure to the appropriate DOLE regional office or any of its provincial/field office.

HOLIDAY PAYS

Workers who do not report for work on April 9 and 10, 2020 which are regular holidays under the law are entitled to holiday pay subject to the requirement that the employee was present or on leave with pay on the workday prior to the start of the ECQ on 17 March 2020.

April 9 this year covers two holidays – Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) and Holy Thursday, while April 10 is Good Friday. 11 April 2020 has also been declared a special non-working day.

Payment of wages for the said holidays was clarified by the DOLE in Labor Advisory No, 13 dated March 30, 2020 , as follows:

On 1 April 2020,  the DOLE issued Labor Advisory No. 13-A clarifying  that establishments that totally closed or ceased operation during the ECQ period are exempted from paying the holiday pay under LA  No. 13-2020  It also clarified that employers are allowed to defer payment of the said holiday pay until such time that the crisis has been abated and normal operations of the establishment is in place.

AUTOMATIC EXTENSION OF PROBATIONARY PERIODS

The Philippine Labor Code provides for a probationary period of not more than six (6) months to enable employers to evaluate the capabilities of new hires before regularizing their employment.

With companies forced to shutter their offices due to the ECQ/COVID-19 pandemic, the DOLE issued on 1 April 2020 DOLE Labor Advisory No. 14-2020 clarifying that for purposes of determining the six-month probationary period, the one-month ECQ will not be included.

1. DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-04 dated 15 March 2020 prescribing implementing guidelines for IATF Resolution No. 12 on social distancing and business operations

• More information is available at: httpss://www.dti.gov.ph/

2. DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-07 dated 19 March 2020 on anti-hoarding and anti-panic buying

• More information is available at: httpss://www.dti.gov.ph/

3. DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-08 dated 20 March 2020 ensuring unhampered movement of cargo and transit of personnel of business establishments allowed to operate during the ECQ

• More information is available at: httpss://www.dti.gov.ph/

1. CAAP and MIAA to defer charges for take-off, landing, and parking fees – https://dotr.gov.ph/

• DOTr Secretary Tugade has instructed CAAP and MIAA to defer payment for take-off, landing, and parking fees of local airlines to cushion the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 in the airline industry.

1. Republic Act No. 11469, otherwise known as the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”

• In view of the continuing rise of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and its effects to health, safety, security, and the economy, a State of National Emergency is declared over the entire country
• The President was granted the power to adopt temporary emergency measures to respond to the crisis, including:
  • Ensure that all local government units are implementing standards of Community Quarantine as laid out by the National Government;
  • Enforce measures to prevent hoarding, profiteering, injurious speculation, price manipulation, product deception, cartels, monopolies, or other combinations in restraint of trade, or other pernicious practices affecting the supply, distribution, and movement of basic necessities;
  • Undertake the procurement of medical necessities and other critical goods and services in the most expeditious manner as exemptions from the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 or the “Government Procurement Act” and other relevant laws;
  • Direct all banks, quasi-banks, financing companies, lending companies, and other financial institutions, public and private, to implement a minimum of a thirty (30)-day grace period for the payment of all loans, including salary, personal, housing, and motor vehicle loans, as well as credit card payments, falling due within the period of the enhanced Community Quarantine without incurring interests, penalties, fees, or other charges;
  • Provide for a minimum of thirty (30)-day grace period on residential rents falling due within the period of the enhanced Community Quarantine without incurring interests, penalties, fees, or other charges; and
  • Others.

More information is available at: httpss://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/

2. Implementing Rules and Regulations of Section 4(aa) of Republic Act No. 11469, otherwise known as the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”

More information is available at: httpss://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/

1. Resolution No. 3-2020: PPROVING THE ADOPTION OF EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE AND EXPEDIENT PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES DURING A STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

• The GPPB allowed for emergency cases to be included in the enumeration of instances where Negotiated Procurement may be resorted to by procuring entities. The GPPB also included in the procurement projects that may be covered by Negotiated Procurement the lease of real property or venue for use as quarantine centers, evacuation sites, medical relief and aid distribution locations, warehousing facilities, or similar temporary disaster or emergency response facility.

More information is available at: httpss://www.gppb.gov.ph/

2. Submission of CY 2019 Agency Procurement Compliance and Performance Indicator System (APCPI) Results

More information is available at: httpss://gppb.gov.ph/

APCPI Results submissions are extended from 31 March 2020 to 30 June 2020.

1. Advisory for Suspension of Regular Cases – https://ltfrb.gov.ph/

• Due to the suspension of work, hearings for 13 March 2020 are re-scheduled to 17 April 2020

1. Memorandum M-SAG-20-0063 – https://www.miaa.gov.ph/

• Resumption of business operations for all retail concessionaires is enjoined. Concessionaires are allowed to adopt a rotational skeleton force during this period.

2. Important Updates of the Enhanced Community Quarantine for Aviation Sector – https://www.miaa.gov.ph/

• All persons regardless of nationality, except Filipino tourists may now fly out of the country at any time. Inbound international passengers are allowed entry, subject to strict immigration and quarantine protocols. Sweeper flights for foreign nationals to bring them to airports will be allowed to continue operations. Only one person is allowed to bring a passenger to the airport and he/she must depart immediately after dropping off said person.

3. Memorandum No. 7-2020 – Guidelines for the Implementation of a Skeletal Workforce for the Duration of Suspension of Work in NCR, effective March 15, 2020 to April 14, 2020 – https://www.miaa.gov.ph/

• MIAA officers and employees under the corporate level who do not deploy support group at the Terminals shall be directed to report for work during the suspension period as skeleton workforce.

1. The filing of Motions for Reconsideration (MR) and Petitions for Extraordinary Remedies (PER) is suspended starting 16 March 2020 and shall resume upon resumption of regular operations.

2. Work in all units and Offices of the Labor Arbiters shall be suspended during the period of Enhanced Community Quarantine.

3. The filing of appeals is suspended starting 16 March 2020 and shall resume upon resumption of regular operations.

4. All SENA conciliation and mediation conferences scheduled during the quarantine period are terminated. Referral for compulsory arbitration or to other offices which have jurisdiction over the issue/s raised in the Referral For Arbitration will be issued by the handling SENA Conciliator-Mediator upon resumption of regular operations.

5. All mandatory conciliation and mediation conferences scheduled during the period of Enhanced Community Quarantine are terminated. All parties are mandated to file their respective position papers 15 calendar days from the date of resumption of regular operations, without prejudice to settlement or the filing of a joint motion to conduct mandatory conciliation and mediation conference.

6. All other hearings set during the period of Enhanced Community Quarantine are reset one month from the date of the scheduled conference.

7. The decisions and orders of the Labor Arbiters shall be signed, promulgated, and served within seven calendar days from resumption of work.

More information is available at: httpss://www.facebook.com/

1. Notice suspending radio examinations at the NTC Central Office

• More information is available at: https://ntc.gov.ph/

2. Notice suspending all hearings until further notice

• More information is available at: https://ntc.gov.ph/

1. Resumption of all PDS Operations (with revised schedule of PDS Group Operational Hours)

• More information is available at: httpss://www.pds.com.ph/

2. PHPBVAL Publication During Period of Shortened Trading Hours

• More information is available at: httpss://www.pds.com.ph/

1. Press statement dated 18 March 2020 temporarily suspending POGO operations in Luzon

• More information is available at: https://www.pagcor.ph/

1. COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 007-2020 – Suspension of Certain Merger Processes and Timelines in view of Community Quarantine and Alternative Work Arrangement to Manage the COVID-19 Situation

• The PCC suspended the following merger processes and timelines from 16 March to 14 April 2020, or until such time as the Community Quarantine has been lifted:
  • Acceptance of new Notification Forms and Letters of Non-Coverage
  • Evaluation of sufficiency of Notification Forms and Letters of Non-Coverage already submitted to the PCC
  • Running of the 30-day Notification Period under Section 3.1 of the Rules on Merger Procedure. Notifying Parties shall have the remaining balance of the 30-day Notification Period to submit their Notification Forms to the PCC. Notification Forms submitted during the remaining period shall be considered to have been timely filed.

More information is available at: httpss://phcc.gov.ph/

2. COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 008-2020 – Interruption of the Reglementary Periods for the Filing of Pleadings, Motions and Submissions to the Commission and the Payment of Fines or Penalties in view of the Enhanced Community Quarantine to Manage the COVID-19 Situation

• The PCC resolved that the reglementary periods for the filing of pleadings, motions, affidavits, and other submissions to the PCC, as well as the payment of fines and penalties, are deemed interrupted from 16 March 2020 to 14 April 2020, or until such time as the Community Quarantine has been lifted. The reglementary periods shall begin to run again on 15 April 2020, or the day after the Community Quarantine has been lifted, whichever is applicable. Parties shall have the balance of their reglementary periods to file their submissions with, or pay the fines and penalties imposed by, the PCC.

More information is available at: httpss://phcc.gov.ph/

1. Suspension of all business operations in CEZ 1 & 2 until further notice

• Due to the increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases and PUIs/PUMs in Cavite, PEZA issued CEZ Memorandum Circular No. 2020-013 suspending operations of all business establishments in CEZ 1&2 starting 6:00 PM on 19 March 2020 until further notice.
• Affected companies are ordered to send employees home but may opt to keep skeletal workforce for basic admin, maintenance, and security, who will be on confined accommodation in the company premises. Requests for approval of the skeletal workforce shall be done electronically .
• In addition, cargoes (Import/Export) will be allowed entry and exit into the zone, pursuant to the Memorandum Circulars of Executive Secretary Medialdea on Enhanced Community Quarantine of Luzon dated 16 March 2020 and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) dated 18 March 2020, Re: Unhampered Movement of All Cargoes. All requests for certification for movements of cargoes shall be submitted through email and issuance of the same shall be through email as well.

More information is available at: https://www.peza.gov.ph/

2. PEZA services, assistance, and advisory re: COVID-19 situation

• PEZA will continue as usual, including services of the PEZA Head office and PEZA zone offices in the National Capital Region, notwithstanding the community quarantine declared in Metro Manila. From 15 March 2020 to 12 April 2020, PEZA services shall be rendered on flexi-time, skeletal workforce, or work-from-home basis.

More information is available at: https://www.peza.gov.ph/

3. PEZA directives in light of COVID-19

More information is available at: https://www.peza.gov.ph/

4. PEZA assistance to Ecozone I.T. enterprises

More information is available at: https://www.peza.gov.ph/

5. PEZA advisory on movement of ecozone workers and goods

More information is available at: https://www.peza.gov.ph/

6. PEZA rules on shutdowns by companies or ecozones amidst COVID-19 pandemic

More information is available at: https://www.peza.gov.ph/ and https://www.peza.gov.ph/

7. Guidelines to avail of financial support and employment facilitation

More information is available at: https://www.peza.gov.ph/

8. Immediate implementation of COVID-19 prevention measures

PEZA has directed all PEZA-registered ecozone developers/operators and registered enterprises to immediately implement COVID-19 prevention measures.

More information is available at: https://www.peza.gov.ph/

9. Quarantine and health safety compliance guidelines to be observed by all PEZA economic zone enterprises.

More information is available at: https://www.peza.gov.ph/

10. Online PEZA e-Import Permit validation by all PEZA units in the Joint PEZA Customs Clearance Offices (JPCOs) in Metro Manila namely NAIA, POM, and MICP.

More information is available at: https://www.peza.gov.ph/

11. Guidelines to disinfect the workplace premises using products known to be effective against COVID-19

More information is available at: https://www.peza.gov.ph/

12. Extension of the validity of Letters of Authority (LOAs) of PEZA-accredited service enterprises

The Letters of Authority (LOAs) of accredited service enterprises i.e., customs brokers, freight forwarders, and truckers/haulers, including those servicing PEZA-registered enterprises in Visayas and Mindanao, which expired or are expiring during the period of the ECQ, are automatically extended, subject to the same terms and conditions of their existing LOAs.

More information is available at: https://www.peza.gov.ph/

1. PSE MEMORANDUM CN-NO. 2020-0013 – Modes of Stockholder Participation During Annual Stockholders Meetings (“ASM”)

• Listed companies with upcoming ASMs may allow their stockholders to participate in the ASM and vote through remote communication, instead of a face-to-face meeting.
• The Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines recognizes the right of stockholders to vote through remote communication or in absentia when authorized in the company’s the by-laws or by a majority of the board of directors. Corporations that allow voting through remote communication or in absentia must establish appropriate requirements and procedures for voting through such modes, taking into account the company’s size, number of shareholders, structure, and other relevant factors.
• For corporations vested with public interest, such as publicly-listed companies, stockholders may vote in the election of directors through remote communication or in absentia, notwithstanding the absence of a provision to that effect in the by-laws.
• It is to be noted that SEC Memorandum Circular No. 3, series of 2020, requires companies to send written notices of regular meetings to all stockholders of record at least 21 calendar days prior to the date of said meeting. The written notice must contain all information and deadlines relevant to the stockholders’ participation in the meeting and exercise the right to vote remotely.

More information is available at: httpss://www.pse.com.ph/

2. PSE MEMORANDUM CN-NO. 2020-0026 – Corporate Disclosures

• Given that trading at the PSE and clearing and settlement at the SCCP resumed on 19 March 2020, corporate disclosures of listed companies are now available at the PSE EDGE portal (edge.pse.com.ph). Adjustments in the number of outstanding shares due to disclosures of buy-back transactions of certain listed companies are to take effect on 20 March 2020.

More information is available at: httpss://www.pse.com.ph/

3. PSE MEMORANDUM CN-NO. 2020-0028 – Amendment of Rule on Static Threshold

• The PSE, with the approval of the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, resolved to amend the lower static threshold from 50% to 30% below the previous close or the Last Adjusted Closing Price, whichever is applicable.
• The pertinent provisions of the PSE Revised Trading Rules and Implementing Guidelines of the Revised Trading Rules are amended to read as follows:
  • PSE Trading Rules – Article IV, Section 7 (Trading Threshold)
    • The upper Static Threshold shall be fifty percent (50%) above the Reference Price while the lower Static Threshold shall be thirty percent (30%) below the Reference Price.
  • Implementing Guidelines of the PSE Trading Rules – Item VI, par. 2(b) (Static Threshold)
  • Static Threshold
    • The Static Threshold shall be fifty percent (50%) above and thirty percent (30%) below the previous day’s Reference or Closing Price or the Last Adjusted Closing Price (LACP)

The above-mentioned changes shall take effect and will be implemented in the PSE Trade on 24 March 2020 (Tuesday).

More information is available at: httpss://www.pse.com.ph/

4. Shortened Trading Hours from 16 March to 14 April 2020 (Memorandum CN – No. 2020-0017)

• More information is available at: httpss://www.pse.com.ph/

5. Cut-off for Corporate Disclosures on PSE Edge portal (Memorandum CN – No. 2020-0018)

• More information is available at: httpss://www.pse.com.ph/

6. Extension of filing of 2019 Annual Report and applicable 2020 quarterly reports (Memorandum CN – No. 2020-0020)

• More information is available at: httpss://www.pse.com.ph/

7. Closure of PSE Offices from 17 March 2020 until further notice (Memorandum CN – No. 2020-0022)

• More information is available at: httpss://www.pse.com.ph/

8. Filing of structured reports, current reports, and communications with the SEC (Memorandum CN – No. 2020-0024)

• More information is available at: httpss://www.pse.com.ph/

9. Resumption of Trading and Settlement on 19 March 2020 (Memorandum CN – No. 2020-0025)

• More information is available at: httpss://www.pse.com.ph/

10. Relaxing requirements for requests for extension in the filing of annual reports and/or audited financial statements (Memorandum CN – No. 2020-0027)

• More information is available at: httpss://www.pse.com.ph/

11. Amendment of Rule on Static Threshold

• More information is available at: httpss://www.pse.com.ph/

12. Non-trading Days for April 2020

• In view of Proclamation No. 845 issued on 15 November 2019, there will be no trading on 9 April 2020 (Araw ng Kagitingan and Maundy Thursday) and 10 April 2020 (Good Friday)

13. Trading Participants under Voluntary Suspension during the Enhanced Community Quarantine Period

• More information is available at: httpss://www.pse.com.ph/

1. MARKETS & SECURITIES REGULATION DEPARTMENT – SEC ADVISORY – Re: Information for Clients

• All PSE Trading Participants (TP) are reminded of its obligation to its client as stated in 30.2 .1.2.5.2 Information for Clients: “A registered person shall provide clients with adequate information about his firm, including his business address, any relevant conditions or restrictions under which the registered person conducts his business, and the identity or status of employees and others acting on his behalf with whom the client may have contact.”
• In this regard, all TPs are directed to identify the changes in information about them and their operations and promptly inform their clients. They are also ordered to comply with the new requirements that may be imposed by the PSE pertinent to this. TPs are mandated to review the fullness and properness of their risk management and internal control systems, together with Written Supervisory Procedures, and reflect accordingly therein the changes. There is no need to submit the updated version but they have to be kept and made available for examination by Commission or the authorized Self Regulatory Organization pursuant to the requirements of Section 52 of the Securities Regulation Code.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

2. MARKETS & SECURITIES REGULATION DEPARTMENT – NOTICE TO PHILIPPINE STOCK EXCHANGE and ALL PUBLICLY-LISTED COMPANIES

• All reports filed with the PSE EDGE during the effective period of the enhanced community quarantine shall be considered as having been filed with the Commission. The Commission reserves the right to require the PLCs to submit a copy to the SEC at a later time as may be necessary. The Commission shall also make the proper arrangement with PSE for the latter to furnish the Commission with the reports filed in the PSE EDGE.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

3. MARKETS & SECURITIES REGULATION DEPARTMENT – ALL ISSUERS OF REGISTERED SECURITIES (other than PLCs)

• The SEC mandated all issuers of registered securities to file their respective Structured and Current Reports and direct their other communications to msrd_covid19@sec.gov.ph as direct email messages or attachments.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

4. Guidelines for the filing of the General Information Sheet (GIS) during the COVID-19 outbreak and Enhanced Community Quarantine (Memorandum Circular No. 9-2020)

• When an election of directors, trustees, and officers is held, the corporation shall submit its GIS within 30 days from the date of the actual meeting through ordinary or registered mail, private courier, or email at mlmliwanag@sec.gov.ph, mdtmabuyo@sec.gov.ph, or cmdnotive@sec.gov.ph.
• If an election of directors, trustees and officers originally scheduled between 1 March 2020 and 31 May 2020 is not held due to health and safety reasons in relation to COVID-19, and the corporation has no facilities for remote communication, this fact shall be reported to the SEC through a notice within 30 days from the original date of the meeting. The report shall be submitted to cmdnotice@sec.gov.ph. and shall be accompanied by a statement specifying a new date for the election, which should be within 60 days from the original schedule of the meeting.
• The non-holding of election due to other reasons, as well as the non-holding of election originally scheduled on dates outside the covered period, shall be reported to the SEC within 30 days from the original schedule. The company shall likewise specify a new date for the election, which shall not be later than 60 days from the original schedule.
• If the non-holding of election is unjustified, the SEC shall issue an order for the issuance of a notice of meeting, stating the date and place of the election.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

5. Extension in the filing of Annual Reports and/or Audited Financial Statements

• The Commission granted affected companies an extension of time without penalty to submit the Annual Reports and/or AFS for the period ended 31 December 2019:
  • For companies doing domestic operations only – an extension of time until 30 June 2020; and
  • For companies with domestic and foreign operations: an extension of time until 30 June 2020 or 60 days from the date of lifting of travel restrictions/ ban by the concerned government authorsities, whichever comes later.
• Affected companies are required to submit a written request for extensions.
• Companies whose preparation of financial statements or completion of statutory audits are not affected by the COVID-19 situation are required to file their annual reports and/or audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 within the periods prescribed under existing rules and regulations.
• The Commission further resolved to grant the extension in the filing of Annual Reports and/or AFS to companies with fiscal years ending 30 November 2019.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

6. Filing of structured and current reports via email during the Enhanced Community Quarantine

• The SEC has issued an advisory allowing investment companies, registered issues of proprietary and non-propriety share/time shares, and public companies to file current reports, beneficial ownership reports, information statements, monthly reports, and other documents via e-mail by submitting them to cgfd@sec.gov.ph.
• Only one report shall be submitted per company.
• Every report submitted via email must be accompanied by a certification of the person who prepared the report on behalf of the covered company that the information contained therein are true and correct.
• Reports to be submitted via email shall not be required to be notarized even if they normally require notarization for validity.
• Upon restoration by the SEC of regular working hours, all covered companies shall submit hard copies of said reports and/or documents with proper notarization within 10 calendar days from the date that the quarantine order has been lifted or withdrawn.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

7. Virtual meetings allowed for directors, trustees, stockholders, and members of corporations

• Stockholders or members who cannot physically attend at stockholders’ or members’ meetings may participate in such meetings through remote communication or other alternative modes of communication, provided this is authorized in the by-laws or by majority of the board of the directors. In the election of directors, trustees, and officers of corporations vested with public interest, stockholders and members may vote through remote communication notwithstanding the absence of a provision in the by-laws authorizing this.
• A stockholder or member who participates through remote communication shall be deemed present for purposes of quorum.
• Directors or trustees who cannot physically attend or vote at board meetings can participate and vote through remote communication such as videoconferencing, teleconferencing, or other alternative modes of communication. However, directors or trustees cannot attend or vote by proxy at board meetings.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

8. Suspension of the submission of the original notarized printed copy of the Mandatory Disclosure Form for non-stock corporations

More information is available at: https://sec.gov.ph/

9. SEC offices closed, work from home arrangements, and cancellation of biddings and processes

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

10. All SEC hearings and conferences scheduled between 17 March 2020 and 17 April 2020 are suspended/postponed; filing of appeals, motions, and pleadings with OGC and SEC en banc due within this covered period extended for 30 calendar days from 15 April 2020

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

11. Cancellation of scheduled SEC certification exams

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

12. Guidelines on preventive measures against COVID-19 in the handling of records at the SEC

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

13. Guidelines on the submission by electronic mail of GIS, AFS, and other forms and documents

The SEC issued Memorandum Circular No. 10, Series of 2020 which outlines the guidelines and procedures to allow and facilitate the filing of reportorial requirements (e.g., GIS, AFS) by corporations via electronic mail.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

14. OGA is accepting new applicants for inclusion in the list of accredited/selected external auditors and auditing firms

The Office of the General Accountant is now accepting new applications for inclusion in the list of accredited/selected external auditors and auditing firms for BSP, IC, and SEC starting 06 April 2020.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

15. Extension of deadline for the submission of the Mandatory Disclosure Form

The SEC has extended the deadline for non-stock corporations to submit their Mandatory Disclosure Form until April 30, 2020 or 15 days from the lifting of travel restrictions and other measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

16. Suspension of cumulative penalties for covered companies

The SEC has suspended the daily and monthly monetary penalties imposable on Investment Companies, Issuers of Proprietary and Non-Proprietary Shares/Timeshares, Public Companies, Lending Companies, Financing Companies, Foundations, Accredited Microfinance NGOs, and Publicly-Listed Companies under the supervision of the Corporate Governance and Finance Department from 13 March 20201 until the ECQ Period is lifted by order of the President.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

17. Guidelines for alternative filing of reports

The SEC has issued guidelines for the alternative filing and submission of reports, applications, compliance, requests, and other documents via email (cgfd@sec.gov.ph) by Investment Companies, Registered Issuers of Proprietary and Non-Proprietary Shares/Timeshares, Public Companies, Financing Companies, Lending Companies, Foundations, Accredited Microfinance NGOs, and Publicly Listed Companies under the supervision of the Corporate Governance and Finance Department.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

18. Remote filing for application for amendments to the Articles of Incorporation

The SEC has outlined the procedure for the remote filing of the monitoring clearance and applications for amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and By-laws.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

19. Online company registration

The SEC continues to accept online applications for the registration of corporations and partnerships through the Company Registration System (CRS).

More information is available at https://www.sec.gov.ph/

20. Temporary suspension of the requirement to provide confirmation notice in paper format to customers

The SEC has temporarily suspended the application of paragraph 1 of SRC Rule 30.2.2.2 which requires broker dealers to provide customers with confirmation of purchases and sales in paper format.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

21. Notice to financing companies and lending companies re: Bayanihan to Heal As One Act

Financing companies and lending companies are reminded of Section 4 of the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act which requires financing companies and lending companies to implement a minimum of a 30-day grace period for the payment of all loans.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

22. Guidelines for the issuance of IATF Accreditation ID

Following the exemption of capital market participants and their skeletal workforce from the strict home quarantine requirements, the SEC has issued guidelines prescribing the requirements and procedures for the issuance of IATF Accreditation IDs or their equivalent to capital market institutions, participants, and employees.

More information is available at: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

1. All hearings nationwide are suspended from 16 March 2020 to 15 April 2020, except on urgent matters, such as but not limited to petitions, motions, and pleadings in relation to bail and habeas corpus, promulgation of judgments of acquittals, reliefs for those who may be arrested and detained during this period, and other related actions that may be filed in relation to measures imposed at the local or national levels to address the declared health emergency.

2. The filing of petitions and appeals, complaints, motions, pleadings, and other court submissions that fall due during the period from 15 March 2020 to 15 April 2020 is extended for 30 calendar days counted from 16 April 2020.

3. All court actions which are not considered urgent, such as but not limited to promulgations of decisions in civil cases, executions of judgments, implementations of other writs, services of summons, auction sales in extrajudicial foreclosures, solemnizations of marriages, etc., scheduled during this period are likewise suspended and shall be rescheduled. For court actions with prescribed periods, these periods shall likewise be extended for 30 calendar days counted from 16 April 2020.

More information is available at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/11037/ and https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/11092/. All concerned persons are encouraged to regularly visit the Supreme Court’s website at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/ for updates.