Firm Announcement – Metro Manila, four other provinces revert to MECQ
 
 
To our valued colleagues and friends, with the continuing surge of COVID-19 infections and as suggested by various medical associations, the Philippine Government has now put Metro Manila under a stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) status until 18 August 2020.  Other places that will also be under a MECQ set-up are the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.  On the other hand, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, Minglanilla and Consolacion in Cebu Province  and Zamboanga City will be under a general community quarantine set-up until 18 August 2020.
 
Meanwhile, the rest of the Philippines shall be under a less strict modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status.
 
Government operations, businesses, services, public transportation and movement of people are restricted based on the prevailing quarantine status.  Under an MECQ set-up, only certain industries are allowed to operate either at full or limited capacity.  Public transportation is not allowed and only private vehicles and public shuttles for front liners and workers in industries allowed to work under a MECQ set-up shall be permitted. Government work will also be on a limited capacity.
 
Travel restrictions on entry of foreigners are still in effect. Previously, the government has limited the entry of foreign nationals to the following categories: (1) accredited foreign government and international organization officials and their dependents (2) foreign spouses and children of Filipino nationals and (3) foreign airline crew members.  Recently, the government has likewise allowed the entry of foreign nationals with long term visas starting 1 August 2020 provided (1)  foreign nationals must have long term-visas valid and existing at the time of entry and  no new entry visas shall be accepted (2) subject to maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port/date of entry as returning overseas Filipinos will be given priority and (3) foreign nationals must also secure a pre-booked accredited quarantine facility and a pre-booked COVID-19 testing provider.  Also, a recent regulation of the government has now allowed the entry of foreign spouses, minor children, including children with special needs, regardless of age, of Filipino nationals, as well as foreign parents of minor Filipino nationals, including children with special needs, regardless of age provided they secure the appropriate visas. The effect of the MECQ on these relatively new regulations remain to be seen and shall be reported as they come. 
 
All Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) controlled ports shall remain open for cargo operations subject to the requirements of the Bureau of Quarantine and the Department of Health.
 
Considering the fluidity of the situation, regulations are subject to periodic evaluation and may change.
  
Alternative work arrangements have been adopted by Del Rosario & Del Rosario as well as Del Rosario Pandiphil.  We shall continue to assist through calls and emails. We again thank everyone for their continued support and understanding during this extraordinary time.

Areas of Specialization: Shipping, Labour, Transport, Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Insurance, Immigration, Litigation, Arbitration, Intellectual Property
 
2018 AsiaLaw Profiles: Outstanding in Shipping, Maritime & Aviation; Recommended in Dispute Resolution & Litigation, Intellectual Property, Labour & Employment

“Del Rosario & Del Rosario has the strongest shipping practice in the Philippines. They definitely deserves the top ranking.” AsiaLaw Profiles 2018

“We rely on them when there’s a problem. We can trust them. And they can deliver the service required.” The Legal 500 2018

“For almost four decades, DelRosarioLaw has led in the shipping and transport practice in the Philippines by assisting stakeholders in fostering institutional changes to ensure the continued viability of the local shipping and manning sectors. This enduring reputation has made the firm’s opinion in major maritime policies of the country most sought after.” Chambers Asia-Pacific 2018

Del Rosario & Del Rosario, a four-decades-old firm, is considered to be among the top shipping and maritime practices in the country. It has also built a formidable reputation in insurance and reinsurance, and has more than 30 lawyers, including 10 partners.” The Philippines Law Firm Awards 2018.