COVID-19 updates (SyCipLaw Bulletin # 2): Philippine Government Declares an Enhanced Community Quarantine over Luzon from March 17, 2020 to April 12, 2020

April 30, 2020

The following updates, among others, were covered by SyCipLaw’s bulletin to its clients:

A. The Philippine President issued Proclamation No. 929 (Declaring a State of Calamity Throughout the Philippines Due to Corona Virus Disease 2019) dated March 16 which declared a State of Calamity over the country for six months, and placed the island of Luzon under an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) from March 17 to April 12.

B. The Supreme Court issued Administrative Circular No. 31-2020 on March 16 extending the period for filing of submissions to Courts for 30 days from April 16.

C. The Securities and Exchange Commission released SEC Memorandum Circular No. 5 Series of 2020 which grants companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic an extension until June 30 for the filing of their 2019 annual reports. They also issued a notice that its main office and other offices in Luzon are closed from March 17 until further notice.

D. On March 16, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) issued Memorandum Circular No. 5 which provides for a 30-day extension from the due date for all papers, pleadings, documents, and payments which are due within the period of March 16 to April 14.

The full text of the bulletin can be found at (https://mailchi.mp/2c124a390ac3/developments-in-the-philippines-relating-to-the-covid-19-pandemic-as-of-march-18-2020?e=3699ef9c26)

The bulletin was prepared by SyCipLaw partners Ricardo Ma. P.G. Ongkiko, Carina C. Laforteza, Vida M. Panganiban-Alindogan, Hiyasmin H. Lapitan, and Melyjane G. Bertillo-Ancheta with the assistance of legal associate, Maria Francesca S. Vergara.

Please go to syciplawresources.com to see our latest COVID-19 related bulletins and briefings, and for a list of Philippine government issuances covered by our bulletins and briefings.