Firm Announcement – Metro Manila, Cebu City and Laguna province placed under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine until 31 May 2020; Modified/General Community Quarantine in low and moderate risk areas
 
 To our valued colleagues and friends, the Philippine Government has now placed Metro Manila, Cebu City and Laguna province under a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) starting 16 May 2020 until 31 May 2020.  
 
Regions which have moderate risks are now placed under a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) set-up until 31 May 2020.  These regions are: Region II, Region III, Region IV-A (except Laguna province), Cordillera Administrative Region, Region VII (except Cebu City), Region IX, Region XI and Region XIII. 
 
On the other hand, a Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) set-up has now been placed over the following regions:  Region I, Region IV-B, Region V, Region, VI, Region VIII, Region X, Region XII and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
 
The government will still be continuously evaluating the situation in the various regions/provinces if there is a further need to change or modify the quarantine situation.
 
A GCQ limits people’s movements to services and work. Services and industries can resume with 75% of the workforce. Public transportation may also resume using safety protocols.  Under a MGCQ, there will be permissive socio-economic activities but safety protocols will still be observed and implemented. Meanwhile, a MECQ still requires strict home quarantine but coupled with the calibrated and limited reopening of selected services and industries and allowing the limited movement in obtaining essential services and work.  Public transportation is still restricted.
 
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.
 
Inbound commercial flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila), which was suspended from 3-10 May 2020, are now allowed on certain days with a daily maximum capacity of 400 passengers per day.  Only returning residents, Philippine passport holders, foreign dignitaries and diplomats are allowed to join the inbound commercial flights and they will be subjected to quarantine procedures.  This restriction will be in place until 10 June 2020.  Other international airports in the country will have their own separate restrictions.
 
Considering the fluidity of the situation, regulations are subject to periodic evaluation and may change.
 
With the recent pronouncement of the government, we do foresee that various government agencies (NLRC, NCMB, courts) will further adjust their guidelines on the implementation of the MECQ/GCQ and MGCQ.
 
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