Civil, Property, Family Laws
The IATF Omnibus Guidelines, as amended, enumerates the industries and business operations permitted to operate under the different community quarantine levels.
IATF Resolution No. 81 dated 26 October 2020 provided the latest risk-level classifications, effective from 01 November 2020 until 30 November 2020 without prejudice to the declaration of localized Enhanced Community Quarantine in critical areas. IATF Resolution No. 80 increased the religious gatherings to thirty (30%) percent of seating or venue capacity, enumerated the foreign nationals allowed entry into the Philippines, and removed the pre-boarding requirement for outbound Filipinos for non-essential travel.
General Community Quarantine (GCQ) | Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) |
Luzon
Visayas
Mindanao
| Luzon
Visayas
Mindanao
* - Areas with increased risk of transmission |
The foregoing shall not be interpreted to allow outbound travel by Filipinos to countries where travel restrictions are in place and this is without prejudice to the Bureau of Immigration’s exercise of its mandate prior to departure (per IATF Reso. No. 79).
12. Tourists from areas under GCQ or lower, or those travelers from Western Visayas are allowed to go to Boracay starting 01 October 2020 (per IATF Resolution No. 74) subject to conditions. |
|
Industries/Services Allowed to Operate (Per DTI MC No. 20-57) | ||||
Category I | ECQ | MECQ | GCQ | MGCQ |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 50% to 100% only for manufacturers of medicines, medical supplies, equipment, the rest - ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ (for public and private hospitals, dialysis centers, chemotherapy centers, and the like) For others (dental, rehabilitation, optometry, etc.)– With skeleton workforce | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 11:00 pm | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 11:00 pm |
| Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ | ✔ Starting 03 October 2020, allowed to operate up to 24 hours a day, as far as practicable (per DTI MC No. 20-52) | ✔ Starting 03 October 2020, allowed to operate up to 24 hours a day, as far as practicable (per DTI MC No. 20-52) |
| Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
|
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 1:00 am | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 1:00 am |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 1:00 am | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 1:00 am |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only with on-site or near-site accommodations and/or point-to-point shuttle services whenever applicable |
|
|
|
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ Only major public construction projects | ✔ Except small scale projects | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ WFH, on-site or near site accommodation or point-to-point shuttle service | ✔ Without need to set up on-site or near site accommodation or point-to-point shuttle service | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ (without need of PCOO accreditation) | ✔ | ✔ |
Note: DPWH Department Order No. 35 provides the following guidelines: Prior to deployment
During deployment
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Category II | ECQ | MECQ | GCQ | MGCQ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only (work from home; on-site or near-site accommodation or point-to-point shuttle service) | ✔ (only export-oriented mining companies without need for provision of on-site or near-site accommodation) |
✔ (100% operational capacity) Domestic: ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ Maximum operating hours allowed up to 1:00 am | ✔ Maximum operating hours allowed up to 1:00 am |
| Skeleton workforce only (for leasing only) | ✔ (for leasing only) Partially allowed up to 50% operational capacity (if for other real estate activities) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ | ✔ |
DTI is authorized to issue a negative list of industries that will remain prohibited in areas under MCGQ. Establishments included in the negative list may not operate during any form of community quarantine (per IATF Resolution No. 56) | With restriction that only basic lodging is allowed to be provided by skeleton workforce May only operate upon issuance of a Certificate of Authority by the Department of Tourism. | With restriction that only basic lodging is allowed to be provided by skeleton workforce May only operate upon issuance of a Certificate of Authority by the Department of Tourism. | With restriction that only basic lodging is allowed to be provided by skeleton workforce Hotel operations shall be limited to provision of basic accommodation services; accommodation establishments may prepare: (a) packed meals for distribution to guests; and (b) food orders for take-out and delivery. Restaurants and cafes ancillary to hotels allowed to operate at 30% venue capacity and maximum operating hours up to 11:00 PM (per DTI MC No. 20-44, IATF Resolution No. 49). May only operate upon issuance of a Certificate of Authority by the Department of Tourism. | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity. Only those accredited as provided by law and relevant DOT and DILG issuances may operate, and only upon issuance of a Certificate of Authority to Operate by the DOT |
| Skeleton workforce only (except funeral parlors; provided there are shuttling service and/or housing accommodations) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Category III | ||||
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) Note: Revised Omnibus Guidelines dated 10-08-2020 states 50% operational capacity. | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
| ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
Alcoholic beverages may also be served provided a customer shall be allowed a maximum of two (2) individual servings of any alcoholic drink. Families living in the same household may also dine together using one table provided they show proof that they stay in one address and their table is at least one meter apart from other tables in the restaurant. | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site (delivery and take-out only) | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site (delivery and take-out only) | ✔ (Dine-in allowed more than 50% seating capacity, provided physical distancing is strictly observed and that the increase in operating capacity, menu offering, and maximum servings of alcoholic beverages shall be subject to the corresponding local government guidelines, effective 03 October 2020) Starting 03 October 2020, allowed to operate up to 24 hours a day, as far as practicable (per DTI MC No. 20-52) | ✔ (Dine-in partially allowed up to a 75% seating capacity) Starting 03 October 2020, allowed to operate up to 24 hours a day, as far as practicable, (per DTI MC No. 20-52 |
Those below 15 years old and 65 years old and above and those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women including any person who resides with these individuals, may not enter malls and shopping centers except when indispensable for obtaining essential goods and services or for work in establishments located therein (per Revised Omnibus Guidelines dated 10-08-2020). | ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) Maximum operating hours up to 11:00 pm as applicable | ✔ Maximum operating hours allowed up to 11:00 pm |
| ||||
|
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ Maximum operating hours allowed up to 11:00 pm |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52 | ✔ |
| ✖ | ✖ | ✔ (100% operational capacity) (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) | ✔ |
| ✖ ✖ ✖ | ✖ ✖ ✖ | Maximum of 75% operational capacity, subject to strict physical distancing (per DTI-MC No. 20-52) All services allowed subject to strict social physical distancing 75% effective 01 November 2020 including full body massage (maximum of 30% capacity inside full body massage places, subject to minimum public health standards) Maximum of 75% operational capacity effective 01 November 2020 (per DTI MC No. 20-57) | Maximum of 100% operational capacity (DTI MC No. 20-57) All services allowed subject to strict social physical distancing 100% effective 01 November 2020 including full body massage (maximum of 50% capacity inside full body massage places, subject to minimum public health standards) 100% operational capacity effective 01 November 2020 (per DTI MC No. 20-57) |
| ✖ | ✖ |
(effective 01 August 2020, limited to individual work outs only. Group workout sessions composed of 2 or more persons (e.g. Zumba, yoga, pilates, etc.) shall be strictly prohibited Restaurants and cafes are now allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% dine-in services with maximum operating hours of up to 11pm (DTI MC No. 20-44) Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effected 01 September 2020. Note: Revised Omnibus Guidelines dated 10-08-2020 states that amusement, gaming and fitness establishments may not operate. | Maximum of 100% operational capacity (per DTI MC No. 20-57) (outdoor and indoor sports facilities for non-contact sports and other forms of exercise) Spectators in non-contact sports and exercises are prohibited (per IATF Resolution No. 56) |
| ✖ | ✖ |
| Maximum of 100% operational capacity Outdoor and indoor setting allowed |
| ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 75% operational capacity effective 01 November 2020 (DTI MC No. 20-57) Maximum of 30% capacity inside testing venue/room; subject to compliance with social distancing protocols. | Maximum of 100% operational capacity effective 01 November 2020 (DTI MC No. 20-57) |
| ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 75% operational capacity effective 01 November 2020 (DTI MC No. 20-57) Only for health-related professions (i.e., physicians) | Maximum of 100% operational capacity effective 01 November 2020 (DTI MC No. 20-57) |
| ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 75% operational capacity effective 01 November 2020 (DTI MC No. 20-57) Only for work or educational purposes, subject to physical distancing protocols | Maximum of 100% operational capacity effective 01 November 2020 (DTI MC No. 20-57) Only for work or educational purposes, subject to physical distancing protocols |
| ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 75% operational capacity effective 01 November 2020 (DTI MC No. 20-57) Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effected 01 September 2020. | Maximum of 100% operational capacity effective 01 November 2020 (DTI MC No. 20-57) |
| ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 75% operational capacity effective 01 November 2020 (DTI MC No. 20-57) Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effected 01 September 2020. |
|
| ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 75% operational capacity (DTI MC No. 20-57) Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effective 01 September 2020. | Maximum of 100% operational capacity (DTI MC No. 20-57) |
Category IV
| ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | Partially allowed Note: Dive establishments and resorts in certain areas under GCQ or MCQ may accept guests travelling for recreational diving from areas under GCQ or lower (per IATF Resolution No. 78). The Department of Tourism shall determine the specific areas where interzonal movement may be made. | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | Skeleton workforce only primarily to do administrative works such as processing of refunds and payments to suppliers | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 30% operational capacity Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effected 01 September 2020. | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
|
|
| Maximum of 30% operational capacity Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effected 01 September 2020. | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
OTHER SECTORS/ACTIVITIES | ||||
ECQ | MECQ | GCQ | MGCQ | |
Government | Philippine Postal Corporation: operational capacity necessary to maintain prompt delivery Philippine Statistics Authority: operational capacity necessary for data gathering related to COVID-19 Others: Skeleton workforce as approved by agency head unless different operational capacity is required | Skeletal workforce on-site of up to 50% maximum operational capacity, unless higher operational capacity is required in agencies providing health and emergency frontline services, border control, other critical services; Others work from home | May be at full operational capacity or under alternative work arrangements (i.e. 40 hours, 4-day workweek). For offices requiring employees to report physically, commissioned shuttle services may be provided (per the Revised Omnibus Guidelines dated 10-08-2020). | Full operational capacity or alternative work arrangements, as the agencies deem appropriate |
Foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited by the DFA | Skeleton workforce only | Skeleton workforce only | 50% operational capacity. Alternative work arrangements are strongly encouraged(per Revised Omnibus Guidelines dated 10-08-2020) | Full operational capacity |
Transportation
| ✖ (except for commissioned shuttles provided by the government) | ✖ (except for Public shuttles provided by the government for front-liners) | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✖ (except for commissioned shuttles provided by the permitted employers) | ✔ (for Personal vehicles- only for permitted sectors/activities, and 2 persons per row) | ✔ | ✔ |
Entry of Foreigners with Visas in the Philippines
Per IATF Resolution No. 80, starting 01 November 2020, the following foreign nationals may be allowed entry into the Philippines:
Entry shall be subject to the following conditions:
Interzonal and Intrazonal Movement of authorized persons outside their residence (APOR)
IATF Revised Omnibus Guidelines dated 10-15-2020 provide that the following authorized persons are allowed outside their residence within and across areas placed under any form of community:
The following shall also be considered as APOR:
The Philippine National Police (PNP) shall be authorized to update the list of APORs. Authorized shuttle services are allowed to travel within and across areas under any form of community quarantine with priority to persons giving health and emergency frontline services.
For persons not authorized outside of residence, the interzonal and intrazonal movement between places under GCQ and MGCQ for any purpose shall be permitted subject to the reasonable regulations imposed by the LGU concerned, if any, and which should be submitted to the DILG or Boracay IATF (for Boracay Island) (per IATF Reso. No. 79). For interzonal movement of non-APOR between areas under MGCQ and New Normal for any purpose shall be permitted subject to reasonable regulations as may be imposed by the LGU concerned, if any, and which should be submitted to the DILG (per IATF Reso. No. 79).
Facility – based isolation is required for confirmed asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 cases
IATF Resolution No. 74 states that asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 cases must be directed to facility-based isolation except in the following instances:
Operations of private and public cemeteries and the like
During GCQ, visits to open-air memorial parks and cemeteries shall be limited to not more than ten (10) persons per group. The number of groups allowed at any given time shall be left to the discretion of the management of such memorial parks and cemeteries taking to consideration minimum public health standards and social distancing (per Revised Omnibus Guidelines dated 10-08-2020 citing IATF Reso. No. 49 dated 25 June 2020.
Note, however, that per IATF Resolution No. 72 provides that during the Undas season, effective from 17 September to 15 November 2020, all private and public cemeteries and memorial parks, including columbariums and the like must observe the following rules:
Authority of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to re-classify industries
IATF Resolution No. 56 grants authority to the DTI to recategorize Category IV industries under Category III, as it may deem necessary. For Category III industries, its resumption or gradual increase in operating capacity shall be subject to their proprietors’ compliance with proper health protocols set by the DTI, which shall be assessed through a post-audit mechanism led by the DTI, DOH, LGU Health offices or deputized organizations.
Contact tracing in Business Establishments
Based on DTI MC No. 20-44, business establishments must have any IATF-endorsed contact tracing application such as SafePass or StaySafePh or administer contact tracing forms to customers, visitors, and suppliers entering their premises and health declaration forms to employees.
Authority to Lift ECQ and GCQ
Only the following have the authority to impose, lift, or extend the community quarantine:
This amends paragraph (B) of IATF Resolution No. 29. Now, LGUs cannot declare its own community quarantine without the concurrence of the IATF. The IATF, on the other hand, may directly impose, extend, or lift the Community Quarantine in all areas, should the circumstances call for it.
In the revised Omnibus Guidelines issued on 25 June 2020, the IATF stated that LGUs may enact necessary ordinances to enforce curfew for non-workers in jurisdictions under MECQ, GCQ, and MGCQ. Public transportation shall not be restricted by such curfew ordinances.
Click to read the entire text of the following issuances:
Click here to read the related article Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine: Basic Do’s and Don’ts.
Disclaimer: The information in this website is provided for general informational purposes only. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from Platon Martinez or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances.