EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
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SENATE
s. No. 1792
I*???’
‘ii I'K
2.0 AUG 26 P12--19
Introduced by Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino
AN ACT ESTABLISHING PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL 
STANDARDS AND SAFEGUARDS FOR THE BETTER NORMAL IN THE 
WORKPLACE, PUBLIC PLACES AND COMMUNITIES TOWARD A 
SUSTAINABLE RECOVERY FROM THE CORONA VIRUS DISEASE-19
(COVID-19) PANDEMIC
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The corona virus disease (COVID-19) continues to rage across the globe with 
a total of 23, 243, 621 cases worldwide and 805, 740 mortalities since the beginning 
of the outbreak in December 2019. In the Philippines, as of 23 August 2020, the 
total confirmed COVID-19 cases have reached 189,601 with a death toll of 2,998. 
Despite the five-month quarantine restrictions in place in different parts of the 
country since March this year, community transmissions remain high with new cases 
exceeding 3,000 daily from 30 July to 22 August. The continuing increase of 
confirmed daily cases only highlights the pressing need to carry out a whole of 
society approach to stem the spread of the contagion, considering, especially, that 
vaccine trials are yet to reach commercial production—and even then, vaccination 
does not provide fail-safe protection.
It must be noted that under Article II, Sec 15 of the 1987 Constitution, the 
State is mandated to "protect and promote the right to health of the people and 
instill health consciousness among them." In the same vein, as outlined in Article 
XIII, Sec 11 of the Constitution, it is also the policy of the State to "adopt an


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integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor 
to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people 
at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged, sick, 
elderly, disabled, women, and children. The State shall endeavor to provide free 
medical care to paupers. "Yet, against the backdrop of the current global pandemic 
that has claimed lives and upturned economies, the capacity of our government is 
being stretched to the limit. Without a clear and comprehensive framework that 
outlines not only health protocols but also governance measures and private sector 
participation, the containment of the disease as well as sustainable recovery remains 
jeopardized, especially for Third World countries like the Philippines.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank has expressed that 
"returning to business-as-usual Is no longer an option" and that governments must 
"build back better" following the COVID-19 Crisis, underscoring that this opportunity 
must be seized to, "reshape how we live and to build a world that is greener, 
smarter and fairer," for a sustainable recovery. The World Bank has also called for a 
renewed and urgent focus on specific public health actions as the first step and the 
inclusion of disease surveillance, laboratories and diagnosis, health information 
systems, communications about changing behaviors, engagement of communities In 
every country's agenda. This only highlights the pressing concern for a paradigm 
shift in how governments approach sustainability goals and how such goals are 
intricately connected to capacity building and crisis management in the long run.
Now therefore, in order to give effect to the Constitutional mandates and to 
address the changing health and economic landscape, this bill aims to provide the 
creation of protocols and standards that take Into account the new normal paradigm 
brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, to wit;
a) Obligatory health and safety protocols on social distancing, frequent 
hand-washing and use of facial masks and face shields in public;
b) Digitalization of the economy;
c) Restoration of livelihood opportunities and assistance to the poor and 
marginalized;


d) Priority to the health, well-being and safety of the education sector;
e) Universal broadband access for all;
f) Adoption of flexible working schedules in private commercial and industrial 
business;
g) Guidelines on the conduct of business of government institutions during the 
pandemic;
h) Empowerment of LGUs in handling pandemics and emergencies; and
i) Environmental measures and protocols for greener living.
Considering the foregoing, the immediate enactment of this bill is respectfully 
requested.
TOL" N. TOLENTINO


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIUPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
ilv.'
©flifp of tl)f St i i‘ tor,!'
SENATE
S. No. 1792
20 AUG 26 P12:19'
Introduced by Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino
AN ACT ESTABLISHING PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND 
SAFEGUARDS FOR THE BETTER NORMAL IN THE WORKPLACE, PUBLIC 
PLACES AND COMMUNITIES TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE RECOVERY FROM 
THE CORONA VIRUS DISEASE-19 (COVID-19) PANDEMIC
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
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SECTION 1. Title. 
Recovery Act of 2020".
This Act shall be known as the "Better Normal for Sustainable
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the 
right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. The State shall also 
protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with 
the rhythm and harmony of nature. Towards this end, the State, in order to help save lives as 
well as jumpstart the economy, shall:
a) Adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to public health and environmental 
policies and regulations during a pandemic, thus, ensuring the overall well-being of 
individuals, communities, industrial and natural ecosystems. Consideration shall be 
paid to valuing the services provided by ecosystems and biodiversity in generating the 
direction and prescriptions for a better normal and in assessing their success;
b) Institute appropriate public health, safety, and security measures to contain the 
transmission of the corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) or similar diseases that may 
result in a pandemic;
c) Regulate, Institute, and establish standards and protocols that would simultaneously 
protect the vulnerable from COVID-19 or similar diseases that may result in a pandemic 
and prevent its transmission;


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d) Pursue the restoration of livelihood opportunities and sources of income for all, 
especially the poor, in the event of widespread disease outbreak and the resulting 
slowdown of economic activity, and building adaptive capacity and resilience for future 
shocks;
e) Pursue universal broadband access for all to ensure a better normal in recognition of 
the crucial role of a strong information and communications technology (ICQ system 
to dose the digital divide and that the need for modern and innovative ICT cuts across 
all sectors of society;
f) Ensure that pandemic recovery will lead to a greener, resilient, inclusive, and 
sustainable future, hence, recovery needs should be addressed with long-term 
sustainability goals; and
g) Give importance to other aspects of well-being of the people based on the Gross 
National Happiness indicators, namely, equitable and sustainable socio-economic 
development, the preservation and promotion of cultural values, the conservation of 
the natural environment, and the establishment of good governance.
In adopting the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach and recognizing 
the need for innovation and more forward-thinking systems and approaches, the State shall 
give priority to the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, persons with disability, 
indigenous peoples, women and children.
SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act shall have the following objectives:
a) Define and allocate roles, responsibilities, and obligations across key sectors of the 
society that shall be heavily involved in the implementation of specific and applicable 
measures, namely, the national government and its instrumentalities, local 
government, private sector, and individual Filipino citizens;
b) Identify standards and protocols in the management of physical spaces, both publicly- 
owned and -managed, or privately-owned but are designated communal spaces, and 
prescribe the allowed and prohibited activities therein as well as behaviors expected 
and required of the citizens while utilizing such physical spaces;
c) Facilitate the development of the necessary systems and infrastructure and the 
enhancement of existing ones so as to ensure that the ICT needs of the better normal 
are accessible to all, making it possible for people and organizations to practice 
appropriate behavior and decisions as well as for relevant government agencies to 
implement relevant, effective, and timely information dissemination;
d) Establish systems of accountability for failure to comply with the obligations and 
expectations prescribed under this Act;


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e) Provide inclusive operational parameters, guidelines, and recommendations for a 
better way of life until such time that the threat of COVID-19 virus and other similar 
diseases that caused the occurrence of a pandemic is effectively contained;
f) Mitigate, if not contain, the transmission of the virus and undertake measures to 
prevent the overburdening of the public healthcare system;
g) Continue health promotion and behavior-enhancing measures in all levels of 
government and the private sector; and,
h) Accelerate transformational change to restore the balance between human, socio­
economic and natural ecosystems, and reduce risk and vulnerability to future crises 
caused by climate change, natural hazards and man-made disasters.
SEC. 4. Scope of the Act. - This Act shall provide the strategies and measures that 
shall be implemented so that economic and social activities can proceed in a manner that 
ensures public health, safety, and security during an epidemic or pandemic, and until such 
time that the same and its immediate impacts are declared eradicated by the authorized 
National Government agency or agencies of the government.
The organization, operation, and activities in workplaces, communities, and public 
spaces shall be governed by the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 5. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
a) 
Agro-ecology refers to the application of ecological and social principles in the 
formulation and implementation of policies and programs on food and agricultural systems, 
to maximize the benefits from the synergy between plants, animals, humans and the 
environment to achieve a resilient and sustainable food supply system;
b) 
Better normal, in the context of recovery from an epidemic or pandemic, refers 
to transformative behaviors and interventions informed by science, that address the 
underlying vulnerabilities of people and communities that the epidemic or pandemic has 
highlighted and fosters a just and equitable transition to a climate-resilient, inclusive and 
sustainable future;
c) 
Better Normal Workforce and Workplace Management Plan, herein referred to 
as the Management Plan, refers to the management plan of all public and private sector 
entities that conforms to the prescribed measures and protocols under this Act to mitigate the 
spread of the COVID-19 virus and other kinds of viruses that may be transmitted through 
contact in the workplace;
d) 
Circular Economy Strategies refer to measures that place value on products 
and materials, maintaining their use for as long as possible, thus minimizing wastage and 
resource use, and keeping resources within the economy when a product has reached the end


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of its life, to be used again and again to create further value;
e) 
Culture Mapping refers to the approach used to Identify, record, and use natural 
and cultural resources and activities for building communities. It is a set of activities and 
processes for exploring, discovering, documenting, examining, analyzing, interpreting, 
presenting and sharing of information related to people, communities, societies, places, built 
and natural heritage, material products and practices associated with them;
f) 
Government-managed public spaces refer to a government or public property 
used by the public under zoning or similar regulatory arrangements, and other spaces used 
as National Government offices, offices of LGUs, public zoos, public libraries, roads, streets, 
avenues, alleys, public markets, parks, plazas, covered courts, promenades, gymnasiums, 
arenas, amusement and recreation centers, among others, that are publicly managed or 
owned by the government;
g) 
Pandemic refers to an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic 
area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population;
h) 
Poor refers to individuals or families whose income falls below the poverty 
threshold as defined by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and/or 
who cannot afford in a sustained manner to provide then' minimum basic needs of food, 
health, education, housing, or other essential amenities of life, as defined under Republic Act 
No. 8425, otherwise known as the "Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act". In determining 
who constitute the poor, the Multidimensional Poverty Index determined by the Philippine 
Statistics Authority (PSA) shall be considered;
i) 
Privateiy-managedpublic spaces refer to spaces within the perimeter or premises 
of a privately-owned real estate or property used by the public under zoning or similar 
regulatory arrangements, which include, among others, shopping malls, hotels, open spaces 
and common areas In subdivisions and condominiums;
j) 
Privately organized gatherings refer to those planned or spontaneous human, 
political, social, cultural, economic, religious and sports gatherings such as concerts, events, 
celebrations, parties, team-buildings, seminars, conferences, trainings, conventions, religious 
mass and sacraments, retreats, funerals, electoral campaigns, inductions, ceremonies, film 
show makings, television shows, sports, and other related forms of recreations.
k) 
Profiling refers to the process of discovering core relations between data and 
databases that can be used to identify and represent a subject individual or a group of 
individuals:
l) 
Public spaces refer to streets, alleys, public parks, protected areas, museums, 
cultural and heritage spaces, schools, buildings, malls, restaurants, transportation terminals, 
public markets, areas used as evacuation centers, government offices, public utility vehicles 
as well as private vehicles covered by application-based transport network services, and other


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recreational or leisure places such as cinema halls, theaters, cockpits, and spas;
l) 
Workplace refers to a place where work is carried out for a business or 
undertaking and Includes any place where a worker goes, or is likely to be, while carrying out 
a work-related task; and,
m) 
Zoonotic Disease refers to a disease that can be transmitted from animals to
people.
SEC. 6. Standards for Better Normal. — In order to stem the transmission of COVID- 
19 and other infectious diseases, and protect the people from such diseases, the following 
standards for the better normal shall be observed:
A. Universal and Mandatory Health and Safety Measures
1) Basic personal hygiene shall be strictly observed by the general public. Massive health 
information drive shall be conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) and LGUs up 
to the community level. In cooperation with the private sector, on COVID-19 to instill 
public awareness on the risks of Infection and possible reinfection of the disease;
2) The general public shall wear face masks, earloop masks, indigenous, reusable or do- 
it-yourself masks, face shields, handkerchiefs, or such other protective material or 
equipment that effectively lessen the transmission of the COVID-19 virus whenever 
they are in workplace, public places, and communities: Provided, That the government 
shall implement the free distribution of masks to poor : Provided further. That the 
government shall allocate funds to ensure free provision of personal protective 
equipment and other medical commodities to COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients in 
both public and private hospitals: Provided, finally. That the government shall integrate 
circular economy strategies in the procurement of materials or development of 
mechanisms for hygiene and sanitation;
3) Hand washing facilities or sanitizing stations shall be established and maintained by the 
owners, managers, or administrators of public spaces, workplaces and other places 
frequented by the public;
4) Physical distancing measured at least one (1) meter between individuals shall be strictly 
observed whenever in public spaces and in the workplace;
5) Temperature reading of persons by the owners, managers, or administrators of 
workplaces and in all enclosed and semi-enclosed, areas where two or more people 
shall gather;
6) The DOH, in coordination with other government agencies and the private sector, shall 
conduct an information and educational campaign utilizing traditional and online media 
to disseminate relevant medical and health information, provide updates on local cases


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and initiatives of the government: Provided, That aii government agencies are directed 
to create a communication pian for the better normai to articulate the policies and 
interventions to be adopted by the agencies for the information and compliance of their 
employees, including the placement of relevant on-site signages and online information 
materials which will serve as reminders to observe physical distancing, practice regular 
handwashing, and to frequently clean and sanitize surroundings;
7) 
Local chief executives of LGUs which are considered as containment zones or critical 
zones for the transmission of COVID-19 shall establish testing centers and procure 
COVID-19 testing kits, personal protective equipment, and such other necessary 
equipment and supplies to be used for the conduct of mass-testing of the population 
in their respective jurisdictions, including the establishment of drive-through testing 
centers, and other contactless modes of testing for the detection of the COVID-19 or 
other infectious disease. Provided, that the National Government shall render aid and 
assistance to LGUs with limited financial capacity;
8) There shall be nationwide testing drives to prepare for any future waves of infection 
surges or any other epidemic. The minimum rate of testing shall be one percent (1%) 
of the population of the province or city, in the case of Independent cities, and shall 
target to finish testing residents within ten (10) days;
9) The DOH, with assistance from LGUs and Department of the Interior and Local 
Government (DILG), shall conduct tracing of Individuals who have had contact with or 
have been exposed to a person who has been confirmed positive for the COVID-19 or 
similar infectious diseases. The DOH shall also conduct contact tracing and mandatory 
testing for individuals suspected of or probably afflicted with the disease to ensure 
prompt containment of the disease. Provided, That the cost of the mandatory testing 
shall be covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth);
10) The DOH shall set a unified common price for the reverse transcription polymerase 
chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for COVID-19 being conducted by both public and private 
hospitals and testing centers to ensure affordability and to expand the general public's 
access to testing services;
11) The DOH shall establish and manage government-operated and -maintained quarantine 
facilities for individuals who are suspected of being infected or have tested positive for 
COVID-19 or other infectious diseases and who, pursuant to the guidelines formulated 
by the Inter-Agency Task Force (lATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious 
Diseases and/or as prescribed under DOH regulations, should undergo mandatory 
quarantine, including those who are not able to observe quarantine protocols in their 
respective places of residences;
12) Local chief executives of LGUs shall continuously implement existing measures, 
including quarantine measures. In dealing with residents or any other individual in the 
locality manifesting COVID-19 symptoms, or who has been classified as a suspect.


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probable, or a confirmed case of COVID-19 infection by authorized testing or medical 
facilities. Provided, That local chief executives may order the lockdown or temporary 
closure of public and private buildings and establishments with COVID-19 infections;
13) The National Government shall establish and implement infection prevention and 
control protocol, biosafety and waste management measures of health-care wastes 
coming from hospitals and quarantine facilities! Provided, further. That the LGUs shall 
identify households of individuals suspected of being infected or have tested positive 
for COVID-19 who are undergoing mandatory quarantine in their respective place of 
residences and ensure the proper disposal of their health-care wastes in accordance 
with the aforementioned infection prevention and control protocol, biosafety and waste 
management measures;
14) Local chief executives of LGUs shall continuously monitor the level of transmission 
among residents in their jurisdiction; Provided, That the standards under Republic Act 
(RA) No. 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, as well as legal and ethical 
standards, and existing DOH guidelines are observed and complied with;
15) The National Government shall recognize the vulnerabilities of certain sectors of the 
population such as the elderly, pregnant, children and persons deprived of liberty, and 
shall provide safeguards and assistance to them, including access to mental and 
psychological health services; and
16) Government offices and the owners, managers, or administrators of workplaces and 
other places frequented by the public shall implement regular cleaning and disinfection 
of transport conveyances, terminals and similar facilities including elevators and 
escalators, particularly frequently touched surfaces thereat;
B. Management of Spaces
1) Public gatherings are prohibited subject to the people's right to free exercise of 
religion, freedom of expression, petition the government for a redress of grievances, 
and other exceptions as may be provided under the implementing rules and regulations 
(IRR) of this Act: Provided, that the exercise of the aforementioned rights shall be 
subject to the health protocols of the DOH and/or the lATF to prevent the further 
spread of Infection;
2) LGUs shall regulate public gatherings as well as the flow of people In government- 
managed public spaces, subject to the guidelines set in the IRR of this Act that will 
provide the limitations on such public gathering in order to prevent disease 
transmission: Provided, That activities of agencies of the National Government or their 
provincial or regional offices involved in the delivery of services or distribution of all 
forms of public assistance or the facilitation thereof shall in no way be impeded nor be 
required a permit from any government authority: Provided, further. That gatherings 
under this category shall observe the Universal and Mandatory Safety Measures


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enumerated In paragraph (A) of this Section: Provided, furthermore, That LGUs, in 
consultation with the private sector stakeholders, shall provide the national, regional, 
and provincial agencies and their attached offices the necessary assistance to carry 
out their activities requiring the presence or participation of a significant number of 
the population: Provided, finally. That exceptions to these prohibitions, intended for 
public purpose or interest, shall be supplemented by the IRR of this Act;
3) Privately-organized gatherings in privately-managed spaces shall comply with the 
Universal and Mandatory Safety Measures prescribed under this Act, the guidelines set 
forth in the IRR of this Act, as well as minimum health standards, safety protocols and 
best practices prepared by the private sector as approved or accredited by the 
appropriate implementing agencies: Provided, That such guidelines shall consider the 
nature of the gathering, number of expected attendees, size of the venue, and other 
reasonable parameters that will ensure compliance with physical distancing and other 
measures to prevent transmission of the virus;
4) Land use planning and zoning shall be strictly observed in the implementation of this 
Act; and. Management of spaces shall likewise include the establishment of urban 
gardens, and green spaces not only for people to enjoy a clean and healthy 
environment, but also to enable them to grow their own sources of food and nutrition.
C. Management of Public Transportation
1) The appropriate government agencies shall monitor the implementation of the 
Universal and Mandatory Safety Measures in the management of public transportation 
terminals and facilities, including queuing or ticketing lines, ticketing offices, as well as 
the interiors of public utility vehicles, mass transportations, and private vehicles 
covered by application-based transportation network services, and by their respective 
drivers, conductors and passengers; Provided, That the government shall shoulder the 
costs of mandatory COVID-19 testing in the public transportation sector; Provided, 
further. That drivers and conductors of public utility vehicles shall be subjected to 
mandatory testing twice a month to ensure the safety of the public. Provided, finally. 
That the cost of the mandatory testing shall be covered by (Phllhealth);
2) The operation of motorcycle taxis shall remain suspended to prevent the spread of the 
virus through shared helmets and close physical contact between passengers and 
drivers, unless otherwise determined as safe by the appropriate authorities;
3) Passengers in all types of public transportation vehicles shall be required to sanitize 
their hands prior to boarding the vehicle, shall be seated a seat apart and wear face 
masks and face shields while Inside the vehicle;
4) Contact-less payment mechanisms shall be promoted such as the use of money trays. 
Quick Response (QR) code payment, and automatic fare collection systems to minimize 
the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus;
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5) Agencies and authorities tasked to manage transport hubs such as airports, ports, 
harbors, and simiiar facilities shall coordinate with the concerned LGUs in the 
implementation of the Universal and Mandatory Safety Measures herein provided and 
shall consider the following special measures:
a) Establishment of public health corridors in airports and ports;
b) Mandatory body temperature reading for all arriving and departing passengers;
c) Mandatory quarantine at home or in a government quarantine facility for all 
arriving passengers;
d) Mandatory collection of data for the maintenance of a database of information 
for contact-tracing purposes only;
e) Thorough sanitizing and disinfection of all arriving and departing vessels;
f) Mandatory regular testing of all employees, personnel, staff, and crew attached 
to vessels and those who have assisted passengers; and
g) Mandatory conduct of rapid testing for arriving and departing passengers.
6) The Department of Transportation (DOTr) shall craft and implement programs that will 
help modes of public transport, such as jeepneys and public buses, to transition to 
better normal in consideration of the health and safety protocols without requiring 
them to commit to the government's public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization 
program. The agency shall also ensure the smooth operation of different modes of 
public and mass transport while upholding existing health and safety protocols;
7) National Government authorities in coordination with the stakeholders of the transport 
sector shall establish dedicated lanes along roads, avenues, highways, and other 
transport infrastructure networks to give priority to healthcare, emergency, peace and 
order, and supply-chain vehicles transporting individuals, goods, equipment, or those 
used in the pursuit of services deemed essential and critical: Provided, That pursuant 
to the provisions of Section 21 (d) of RA No. 8749, otherwise known as the Clean Air 
Act, the DOTr shall ensure that vehicles strictly comply with current emission 
standards; and
8) To promote safe physical distancing and sustainable mobility, LGUs and appropriate 
government development authorities having jurisdiction over roadways or highways, 
in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the 
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in the case of the National Capital Region 
(NCR), shall immediately create green lanes which are dedicated, protected and 
interconnected lanes for personal mobility devices such as bicycles, e-bicycles, 
scooters, and similar micromobile devices: Provided, That personal mobility users shall 
observe safe physical distancing and speeds prescribed by the LGUs or relevant 
regional development agencies. Bicycle racks and secure bicycle parking sheds and 
spaces shall be established in government offices, hospitals, public schools and higher 
education institutions (HEIs), and other facilities. Changing and rooms shall be 
promoted as well by public facility managers to encourage more bicycle and 
micromobile commuting: Provided, further. That the DOTr, DPWH and LGUs shall


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ensure that these dedicated and interconnected lanes for bicycles and micromobile 
devices are included in current and future road projects.
D. Better Normal for Schools and Education Institutions
1) To give priority to the health, well-being and safety of the education sector, the 
Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) 
are authorized to determine the start of the academic year 2020 to 2021 for all public 
and private schools, state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and 
colleges (LUCs), private colleges and universities, and other learning institutions. 
Provided, That local chief executives may postpone the start of the academic school 
calendar or temporarily suspend classes in their jurisdictions if COVID-19 transmissions 
remain high;
2) All public and private education Institutions including private and public universities 
and colleges shall formulate, develop and adopt a flexible learning approach which is 
designed to meet students' needs, taking into account the special needs of students 
with disabilities, capabilities of faculty members and conditions on the ground, 
ensuring accessibility and inclusivity and without prejudice to the adoption of measures 
for online learning. The DepEd shall also develop a long-term national distance learning 
framework that would address educational access concerns post-pandemic and in the 
eventuality of future emergencies;
3) The DepEd shall develop, implement and promote a flexible learning program for K- 
12 students in all public and private schools, taking into consideration the capability of 
the school and its teachers in delivering such program, and the accessibility of learning 
materials, either physical or electronic, to the students. The DepEd shall train all public 
school teachers in the conduct of distance learning or blended learning. Training 
programs may be open for private school teachers whenever applicable.
4) The flexible learning program shall be geared towards limiting physical contact among 
the school population and minimizing the impact on the potential for learning and 
instruction between learners and teachers and upgrading or improving the quality of 
electronic and digital content to be made available in cases where online or distance 
learning modalities are pursued: Provided, That students shall not be penalized for 
their inability to access and participate in electronic or digital means of learning due to 
limitations in connectivity, unavaiiability of equipment or other circumstances caused 
by the COVID-19 pandemic: Provided, further. That teievision (TV) and radio programs 
done in partnership between DepEd, National Council for Children Television, National 
Commission for Culture and the Arts and it's attached agencies. Film Development 
Council of the Philippines, Philippine Sports Commission, Early Childhood Community . 
Development Center, higher education Institutions (HEIs) and pertinent cooperatives 
and organizations, and with the assistance of licensed TV and radio broadcast stations 
shall serve as alternative platforms for learning;
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5) The CHED shall monitor the implementation of flexibie iearning programs for all HEIs, 
SUCs and LCUs. HEIs shall continue to exercise academic freedom and leveis of 
autonomy in the governance of their own academic affairs: Provided, That students 
shaii not be penalized for their inability to access or participate in electronic or digital 
means of learning due to limitations in connectivity or unavailability of equipment. 
Provided further, That all HEIs, SUCs and LCUs are encouraged to review and relax 
student residency requirements to accommodate students who fail to enroll or finish 
their courses within the prescribed time frame by reason of the pandemic or 
emergency;
6) The National Government shall allocate funding for the research, training of faculty, 
curriculum development, monitoring and evaluating, benchmarking, and the 
development of systems for learning continuity during times of crisis such as the 
occurrence of a pandemic. Such funding shall be made available by the National 
Government, from the existing budgetary allocation for the K-12 and other similar 
programs, and made available to HEIs, including those organized as stock corporations, 
local research institutes, academic organizations, LGUs, school boards, and individual 
researchers through an application process to be prescribed by the DepEd and the 
CHED: Provided, That for the benefit of learners who have hearing impairment, the 
full participation of deaf linguistics organizations and deaf cooperatives shall be 
required in the development of learning materials;
7) The DepEd shall create a connectivity mapping of schools in the country, which shall 
be updated every year or oftener, to aid in the formulation of distance learning or 
blended learning programs;
8) Subject to consultation with the DepEd, CHED, and the Technical Education and Skills 
Development Authority (TESDA), all face-to-face classes and group school activities, 
including sports, athletics, cultural, and academic meets, exhibitions, competitions as 
well as extra-curricular field or exposure trips and student exchanges shall remain 
suspended unless otherwise officially declared permissible by competent authorities 
without prejudice to the academic freedom and levels of autonomy enjoyed by HEIs In 
the management and conduct of their academic affairs;
9) Digital and broadcast learning shall be promoted by the National Government in 
coordination with telecommunications and broadcasting companies, private sector 
content providers and stakeholders, and internet service providers;
10) Public and private education institutions including private colleges and universities and 
other accredited learning and training institutions shall prioritize the establishment of 
online platforms for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Mandatory 
Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) programs; and
11) Subject to existing rules and regulations, meaningful inclusion and effective
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participation of students and the learning community must be ensured in all aspects 
of pandemic response and recovery plan in education: Provided, That mechanisms to 
uphold autonomy of student councils or governments, and support for uninterrupted 
operations of campus press shall be in place.
E. Better Normal for Private Commercial and Industrial Workplaces
1) The National Government, in coordination with the LGUs, and in partnership with 
accredited or duly-recognized organizations that pertain to each sector, shall maintain 
databases on all private commercial, industrial, and other businesses operating In their 
areas of jurisdiction. The database shall include information such as the number of 
employees, working hours, workspace conditions, office floor areas, and other 
information necessary to ensure compliance with physical distancing and other 
protocols prescribed by this Act to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 or similar 
diseases that may result in a pandemic;
2) All private commercial, industrial, and other forms of businesses shall be required to 
submit a Management Plan to the concerned LGU which shall determine the said 
business's compliance with the necessary safeguards and the Universal Safety 
Measures provided under this Act, as well as industrial safeguards and safety measures 
provided for by the implementing agencies: Provided, That the review of all 
Management Plans shall be conducted promptly upon submission to allow 
establishments to resume operations as soon as possible: Provided further. That the 
Management Plan shall integrate circular economy strategies in the procurement of 
materials or the development of mechanisms for hygiene and sanitation: Provided, 
furthermore. That LGUs are authorized to conduct periodic inspection of private 
commercial, industrial and other businesses operating within their territorial 
jurisdiction to ensure compliance of these businesses with the Universal and Mandatory 
Safety Measures and other standards and protocols prescribed under this Act and its 
IRR;
3) All private commercial, industrial and other businesses shall implement their 
Management Plan and shall incorporate alternative work arrangements such as work- 
from-home schemes. Including rotational work or shifting in schedules, in applicable 
industries to lessen by at least fifty percent (60%) the number of employees required 
to report to their workplaces physically. For the private sector, the Department of 
Labor and Employment (DOLE), in consultation with the private sector, shall 
standardize the template for and the required contents of the said Management Plan. 
The LGUs shall be in charge of monitoring the implementation of this provision;
4) All private commercial, industrial and other businesses shall shoulder all expenditures 
in complying with the mandates of this Act, and such expenditures shall not in any 
way be charged to employees. There shall be no diminution of salaries, wages, benefits 
and other remunerations guaranteed by the Labor Code and other relevant laws to 
employees by reason of employer's compliance with this Act. Work-from-home
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employees shall be given a minimum of PI,000.00 monthly allowance to compensate 
for the increase in utility consumption; the allowances herein granted by private 
employers shall be deductible for income tax purposes.
5) The relevant provisions of the Labor Code notwithstanding, being late or being absent 
for work due to heavy traffic, unavailability of public transport or of shuttle or 
transportation service due to reasons related to the implementation of this Act shall 
not be a cause for disciplinary action against, or termination of, the employees. Private 
commercial and industrial businesses are hereby mandated to adopt a flexible working 
schedule in keeping with the policy of maintaining a minimum of eight (8) hour work 
per day, or forty-eight (48) hour work per week, which shall be Incorporated in their 
Management Plans; and
6) The DOLE shall ensure the conduct of health and safety audits of all workplaces, 
including special economic zones, in line with RA No. 11058, otherwise known as "An 
Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and 
providing penalties for violations thereof".
F. Better Normal Governance Measures
1) Various forms of electronic governance or e-governance mechanisms shall be 
established to facilitate continuous and efficient transactions between and among 
government agencies, and the private sector, as well as in the delivery of socio­
economic services including the utilization of online payment system, appointment- 
based transactions, the Phiiippine national public key infrastructure, electronic 
business permits and licensing systems, electronic procurement system, electronic 
management systems for human resources, records, accounting, as well as other ICT- 
enabled systems and solutions for effective and efficient e-governance.
An internet based electronic payment facility and gateway, such as e-money 
and similar platforms, shall be utilized in collecting taxes, fees, tolls, imposts, and other 
revenues and in paying for goods, services, and other disbursements. Government 
offices and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) that are already 
partially applying this kind of digitized payment mechanism must Improve the current 
system used in order to accommodate the increase in the number of transactions. The 
government shall establish online payment systems and may partner with payment 
solutions providers;
2) All government agencies shall promptly relay to the public pertinent information on 
their operating schedules and accessibility during quarantine restrictions and other 
similar eventualities that may lead to limited operations due to utilization of skeletal 
workforce. Provided finally. That all government agencies issuing licenses, permits, or 
are otherwise performing quasi-judicial functions, or processing transactions with the 
general public, shall expeditiously release the corresponding guidelines and 
requirements for the availment of services in response to the new normal setting;
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3) Government agencies involved in business registration such as the Department of 
Trade and Industry (DTI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative 
Development Authority (CDA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security 
System (SSS), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-lbig Pag-IBIG Fund), Philippine 
Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), LGUs, and other permit and license issuing 
agencies shall be Integrated to facilitate the efficient delivery of business registration- 
related services;
4) The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shall accelerate the adoption by all payment service 
providers of the National Quick Response (QR) Code standard to hasten the 
interoperability of QR-driven payment services and eliminate the need for merchants 
and clients to maintain several accounts;
5) A government online procurement system that encompasses all procurement 
processes involving bidding, contract agreements, and payment for services or 
supplies, and which shall contain a tracking and customer service mechanism shall also 
be developed; and
6) Where applicable, the relevant provisions of RA No. 11032, otherwise known as the 
Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, shall 
supplement the provisions of this Act.
G. Other Aspects of Better Normal
1) The government shall provide important information related to health emergencies to 
persons with disabilities (PWDs) and institutionalize assistive mechanisms for them 
such as requiring sign interpretation in TV news broadcasts and live streamed public 
information programs and content. In relation thereto, a system of standards for 
assistive mechanisms for PWDs shall be planned, financed. Implemented, and 
monitored. For purposes of this Act, individuals who assist PWDs such as sign language 
interpreters shall be recognized as front liners providing essential services;
2) The government must likewise provide sufficient support for culture bearers and 
masters, and those engaged In craftsmaking such as weaving and carving;
3) Emergency cash subsidies shall be given to poor artists, cultural workers, freelancers 
and the self-employed, such as those working in the audiovisual, entertainment, and 
live events sector, and other creative industries such as architecture and allied arts, 
dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music, visual arts, contemporary arts or expressions, 
audiovisual and multimedia, and scholars, critics, curators, and cultural workers;
4) There shall be a continuous implementation of alternative work arrangements in the 
public and private sectors based on the nature of work of an employee, the workplace 
and its location or place, and its distance to and from the residences of employees;
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5) The Implementation of RA No. 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste 
Management Act of 2000, in relation to the proper disposal and management of 
healthcare wastes resulting from activities related to the implementation of this Act 
shall be strictly monitored: Provided, That the National Government shall implement 
regulations on the manufacture and importation, use, recycling of all single-use plastics 
used In trade or commerce in business enterprises, as well as by retailers and 
consumers: Provided, further. That the government shall conduct a research and 
develop single-use plastic packaging alternatives and provide incentives to plastic 
industries that will shift to other manufacturing activities;
6) Adaptation measures such as the establishment of multi-hazard early warning systems 
that reach out the last mile;
7) To prevent the transmission and spread of zoonotic diseases among humans, all 
government agencies and offices and LGUs shall ensure that the protection of 
biological diversity is Integrated and mainstreamed into programs and projects;
8) The National Government, through relevant government agencies such as the DICT, 
DTI, DILG, in accordance with their respective mandates, and with the support of the 
private sector, shall plan for and undertake universal digitalization as well as promote 
and implement programs and innovations to accelerate public access and connectivity 
including the progressive roll-out of the National Broadband Program and the Free 
Public Internet Access Program down to the barangay level;
9) The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Disaster Risk Reduction and 
Management Council (NDRRMC), DILG through the Persons with Disabilities Affairs 
Offices (PDAOs), and DOH shall gather, compile, update, and publish online, 
disaggregated demographic and mapping data on deaf and all other persons with 
disabilities nationwide in the context of the pandemic;
10) The PSA, DTI, NDRRMC, DOLE, DOH, National Economic Development Authority 
(NEDA) and other relevant agencies shall gather, compile and update disaggregated 
demographic and mapping data on critically Impacted businesses, sectors, and 
industries in the context of the pandemic in order to get a better census of the needs 
of the various sectors and industries; and,
11) In compliance with Section 10 of RA No. 11106, otherwise known as the Rlipino Sign 
Language Act, ensure the continued placement of TV insets in news and public affeirs 
programs through video remote interpreting on TV as well as online streaming 
platforms, and promote as well deaf-produced/-signed pandemic and quarantine 
related public information.
SEC. 7. Role of LGUs. - LGUs shall, in their respective territorial jurisdictions, be 
primarily responsible for instituting localized policies and legislation In accordance with the
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better normal measures prescribed under Section 6 hereof and other related directives and 
issuances of the National Government. Local governments must ensure that their policy­
making process shall Involve the participation of all stakeholders. Consultations with the 
communities shall be pursued as a matter of course to ensure that such policies respond 
properly to the needs of the people. In this regard, the LGUs shall have the following 
responsibilities:
a) Ensure the proper implementation of the provisions of this Act within their respective 
territorial jurisdiction;
b) Enact the necessary and appropriate ordinance for the local implementation of the 
provisions of this Act, including the promotion of low-contact payment mechanisms 
such as the use of electronic money (e-money) as a medium of exchange in collecting 
taxes, fees, tolls, imposts, and other revenues and in paying for goods, services, and 
other disbursements: Provided, That the LGU shall make the necessary arrangements 
with the relevant government agencies and government-recognized regulating entities 
to acquire e-money payment capability;
c) Require, by ordinance, merchants or business entities in their localities to obtain and 
maintain e-money payment system capability that is accessible by phone or other 
access devices, as a prerequisite for the approval of application for or renewal of 
business permits. Provided, That merchants or micro, small and medium enterprises 
without connectivity or technological capacity shall be exempt from such requirement.
d) Create a Better Normal Task Force to monitor the compliance of the private businesses 
and offices with the provisions of this Act;
e) Orient the applicant thereof of the guidelines on the management of spaces as 
provided in Section 6 (B) of this Act, which shall be observed throughout the entire 
gathering;
f) In cooperation or with the assistance of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), initiate 
information campaigns on public transportation schemes in their localities in 
accordance with Section 6 (C) of this Act;
g) Establish the Inter-Local Government Unit Task Force as authorized by and in 
accordance with the appropriate guidelines of the DILG;
h) In coordination with the DICT, foster, support and facilitate the effective roll-out of 
free wl-fi access points and other infrastructure needed for the National Broadband 
Program. The LGUs shall likewise foster, support, and facilitate the construction of 
common towers and other passive telecommunication Infrastructure in strategic 
locations for the use of telecommunications service providers to propagate connectivity 
and provide quality telecommunications services to their constituents in accordance 
with existing laws, and the policies and standards set by the DICT;
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i) In coordination with DICT and DSWD, establish an electronic database and eiectronic 
payment system for the deiivery of social amelioration programs through microfinance 
Institutions or virtual wallets, whenever applicable and at the option of the recipient, 
to prevent community transmission of the virus.
j) In coordination with DOH, provide immediate assistance to all reported COVID- 
confirmed residents and patients;
k) In coordination with the DOH, establish and maintain a functional local epidemiology 
and surveillance unit pursuant to RA No. 11332, also known as the Mandatory 
Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. In 
accordance with Section 6(A) of this Act, the LGU shall specify the conduct of contact 
tracing systems for suspect, probable, and confirmed COVID-19 cases, or other similar 
diseases, to avoid delay in contact tracing and to ensure the prompt management and 
containment of the disease. In all cases, the LGU shall ensure that disease surveillance 
and contact tracing procedures are in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012;
l) In coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA), plan and implement a 
resilient agro-ecology and local food supply system that: (1) Involves a shorter, more 
diversified food supply chain that is resilient to future shocks; (2) ensures food access 
shall remain at, or swiftly returns to, pre-pandemic levels, (3) mitigates the impact on 
vulnerable food systems actors, including small-holder producers. Informal traders, 
and low-income and marginalized groups, (4) encourages a shift towards good 
agriculturai and climate-resilient practices, and (5) builds capacity towards family­
farming model to encourage food security. The plan shall promote permaculture and 
the establishment of community food gardens, family farms, local food production and 
shorter supply chains, the strengthening of urban-rural linkages, and the promotion of 
diversity in the food supply chain and channels of distribution as well as ensuring the 
Integrity of sufficient wild spaces nearby to preserve genetic stocks, revitalize 
monoculture areas and ensure water security. The plan shall also promote a resilient 
local food supply system by mandating LGUs to procure livestock, fisheries and 
agricultural products locally before sourcing from outside the locality;
m) Establish and manage the use of cultural spaces to serve as venues and facilities for 
keeping the creativity of the people alive, affording people to exercise their freedom 
of expression, enhancing psycho-spiritual health, and providing them opportunities for 
meaningful participation in community life, even while observing the universal 
mandatory standards and protocols during the time of a pandemic: Provided, That 
such cultural space must meet the minimum criteria of facilities or landscapes that are 
open to the public: Provided further. That cultural spaces are adaptable, do not 
compromise on quality, able to enhance a sense of community, and are Inclusive, 
accessible and welcoming; and
n) The LGUs, in coordination with the cultural agencies such as the NCCA, National
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Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Museum, DepEd, 
CHED and SUCs, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), 
Department of Tourism, DPWH, and the DOH, shall conduct a comprehensive cultural 
heritage mapping of their areas, with the end in view that the resulting database and 
documentation shall aid LCDs in formulating localized policies and programs that will 
help prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases among the people and help protect 
their health and well-being; Provided, that the health and safety of the local people in 
the said areas shall be prioritized and health protocols shall be strictly complied with; 
Provided, further, that persons who shall be involved In the cultural mapping who are 
not residents of the indigenous community or locality shall be subjected to mandatory 
testing prior thereof; Provided, finally, that the cost of testing shall be borne by the 
respective LGUs.
An application shall be developed as repository of the data retrieved from 
cultural mapping activities.
SEC. 8. Role of the Private Sector —
а) All private businesses, offices and establishments shall submit a Management Plan, to the 
concerned LGU where the entity conducts operations or holds office not later than fifteen (15) 
days upon resumption of their operations: Provided, That priority approval shall be granted 
by LGUs to Management Plans that strictly comply with industry best practices, minimum 
health standards, and safety protocols as accredited by DOH, DTI, DOLE and other 
implementing agencies. Such Management Plan shall contain, among others, the following 
information:
1) Total number of employees in the specific workplace, office, or branch covered by the plan;
2) Overall strategy for the reporting of the workforce which may be on rotational, staggered, 
tele-commuting, remote or on work-from-home basis, including the relevant time 
specifications and periods as well as the number of workers who shall be allowed ingress and 
egress;
3) Total number of workers at any given time in the workplace or office on a daily basis;
4) Number of workers per area of space and the spacing mechanisms to be implemented in 
compliance with physical distancing protocols, if applicable;
5) Mechanisms for maintaining personal hygiene and cleanliness among the employees and 
in workstations or areas including the availability of handwashing or hand sanitizing 
Implements;
б) Physical changes in space management introduced or to be introduced in the workplaces 
to protect employees and to implement physical distancing such as plastic barriers between 
customers and personnel or between and among customers or other individuals within the
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workplace;
7) Signages, reminders, and other information, in accessible formats, including infomercial 
videos incorporating Filipino sign language, and/or easy-to-understand text in the appropriate 
written language. Installed or posted In key areas of the workplace to serve as constant 
reminders for workers to practice the mandatory health, safety and sanitation practices;
8) Mechanisms for maintaining physical distancing in communally shared areas in the 
workplace, such as cafeterias, restrooms, conference rooms, prayer rooms, breastfeeding 
stations. Including safeguards against sharing of tools, implements, utensils, equipment, and 
supplies;
9) Physical and personal protective equipment shall be provided by businesses to their 
respective employees in order to inclusively implement the practices mandated in this Act at 
no cost to the employees. Equipment procured for employees under this provision shall be 
deductible for income tax purposes;
10) Mechanisms for managing employees exhibiting symptoms or confirmed to have tested 
positive for COVID-19 or similar diseases that may result in a pandemic, including the company 
or business unit's system for contact tracing;
11) The Workers' Compensation Plan which provides how workers are required to work and 
will be compensated while on quarantine;
12) Mechanisms to implement a circular economy in the workplace such as the: I) reduction 
on the consumption of non-renewable resources; li) development or design of products that 
minimize waste; iii) re-use of materials and expansion of the useful life of products; iv) 
prevention of harmful emissions to soil, air and water, and Iv) the installation of segregation 
and recycling facilities;
13) Mechanisms for a healthier working environment such as but not limited to the use of 
natural, non-toxic and low global warming potential materials and equipment, improved indoor 
air quality and ventilation with sustainable cooling technologies, and the more efficient use of 
space subject to the provision on physical distancing; and
14) Measures to implement a "zero to landfill" policy such as setting targets for reducing waste 
production; implementing sorting and recycling for all office waste; ensuring that recycled 
waste Is composted or recycled; or observing sharing economy practices such as reusing and 
recycling.
b. All private businesses, offices and establishments shall require all employees to subject 
themselves to a thermal or temperature scan prior to being allowed entry. Employees whose 
recorded body temperature render them suspect for symptoms of COVID-19 shall be asked 
to undergo the necessary quarantine protocols and given the appropriate medical advice, or 
subjected to the appropriate health care in coordination with authorized medical facilities;
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c. Private entitles resuming their operations and requiring the physical presence of their 
employee subject to their Management Plan shall provide shuttle or transportation services 
under the conditions applicable to public transportation operators: Provided, That private 
entities and owners of buildings and establishments shall support employees and building 
occupants who have opted to commute through bicycles and other micromobility devices by 
installing bicycle racks, storage, and bicycle parking spaces: Provided, further. That the 
installation of changing rooms to support green transport and promote safe and proper 
hygiene shall likewise be promoted by business establishments;
d. There shall be an employee case management protocol to be observed on the treatment 
of patients or of persons suspected to be afflicted with the disease in accordance with 
prevailing DOH guidelines: Provided, That patient-doctor confidentiality shall be suspended 
only insofar as to aid the LGUs and competent authorities In contact tracing and in the 
identification of possible COVID-19 patients;
e. Employers who opt to conduct testing may do so in a representative sample: Provided, That 
the cost of testing shall be borne by the employer and not charged to the Philhealth; and
f. In the provision of assistance and financing schemes, the lack of capacity of micro, small,- 
and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the implementation of their respective Management Plan 
shall be taken into consideration.
The implementation of mandatory public health standards and other health-promoting 
practices committed by business owners in their respective Management Plans shall be the 
joint responsibility of the owners or management of establishments and their respective LGUs.
SEC. 9. Specific Responsibilities of Particular National Government Offices, their respective 
Attached Agencies, and GOCCs. In addition to the duties and mandates of National 
Government agencies already prescribed in the other sections of this Act, the following 
agencies and offices are mandated to carry out the following responsibilities, to wit:
A. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
The PSA shall fast-track the implementation of the provisions of RA No. 11055, otherwise 
known as: the "Philippine Identification System Act", and RA No. 11315, otherwise known as 
the "Community-Based Monitoring System Act", to facilitate the profiling, contact-tracing, and 
distribution of forms of assistance under the better normal period after the lifting of enhanced 
community quarantine measures.
The PSA shall coordinate with the DILG, Department of Social Welfare and Development 
(DSWD) and LGUs to cull information from the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) 
that may be utilized in fast-tracking efforts geared towards the full implementation of the 
Philippine Identification System Act.
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The PSA may likewise obtain information contained in the existing databases of the 
government on birth certificates, passports, voter's registration, GSIS, SSS, PAGIBIG, 
Phiiheaith through data-sharing arrangements, subject to the rules and procedures that shall 
be established by the Nationai Privacy Commission (NPC) for purposes of faciiitating the 
impiementation of the Phiiippine Identification System Act.
To faciiitate the integration of environmental concerns in national development planning and 
poiicy-making, the PSA, in coordination with the DENR, DA, NEDA, Department of Energy 
(DOE), and the Ciimate Change Commission, shail enhance the Phiiippine Economic- 
Environmental Natural Resources Accounting (PEENRA) System as part of the nationai income 
accounting system. The DENR and the DA shaii generate baseiine information and build a 
database to support ecosystem-based assessment and monitoring, continuing research and 
deveiopment, technology development and transfer, and capacity buiiding, for the 
conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystems, especially the coastal, 
marine, and forestry sectors.
The PEENRA shall be considered a scientific planning tool to avert ecosystems and biodiversity 
loss with a view to preventing the transmission of zoonotic diseases and pursuing anticipatory 
adaptation measures amid the impacts of climate change. It shall include the provision for 
strategic climate financing for localized climate adaptation investments supporting risk-based 
focal planning, energy transition to renewable and indigenous sources, resilient infrastructure, 
agro-ecology, water and food security, technological innovation for critical sectors like 
agriculture and fisheries, and capacity building for green enterprises.
The PEENRA system shall be based on a framework that includes the accounting of 
environmental conditions and quality, environmental resources and their utilization, 
depreciation of natural capital, environmental damages, and loss and damage associated with 
climate change impacts.
B. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
The DICT shall fast track the progressive and full Implementation of the National Broadband 
Program (NBP) by immediately establishing and implementing a nationwide and 
comprehensive information and communications technology (ICT) action plan that shall 
involve all stakeholders, including the major TELCOs, small TELCOs, Internet service providers 
(ISPs), and developers of technology and digital applications, with the end in view of widening 
and improving connectivity not only for the fight against COVID-19 but also for the long-term 
development needs of the country. The NBP shall serve to enable the widespread accessibility 
to and utilization of the internet for essential and significant public and private transactions, 
including learning and instruction: Provided, That the NBP must be reliable and sufficiently 
able to support a high volume of video streaming. In compliance with the Filipino Sign 
Language Act.
Further, the DICT shall immediately formulate and implement an industry-wide policy for the 
TELCOS, both major and small, ISPs, and technology applications that aims to widen
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connectivity in ail sectors of society, particularly the poor, the unconnected, the underserved 
households in poor urban and rural communities, geographically Isolated and disadvantaged 
areas (GIDAs), and the MSMEs:
Provided, That in relation to the widening of connectivity to all sectors of society, the principle 
behind the NBP shall be adhered to. To achieve the goal of providing connectivity to all sectors 
of the economy, incentives shall be provided to new market that shall invest in unserved 
areas: Provided, further. That such incentives shall result in affordable prices for internet 
usage: Provided finally. That the following key policies shall be implemented:
a) Provision of incentives to TELCOs which serve the poor and underserved MSMEs nationwide 
via WiFi technology by implementing a reduced Spectrum User Fee (SUF) for WiFi such that 
a fair and reasonable scheme is achieved consistent with existing rules and regulations 
governing the use of WiR;
b) Implement its departmental policies and initiatives for the propagation of Common Tower 
and the sharing of Passive Telecommunication Infrastructure in the telecommunications 
industry;
c) Implementation of the provision for fiber optic transmission rental from the National Grid 
Corporation to new telecommunications industry players to accelerate development therein;
d) Implementation of the spectrum sharing arrangement among and between TELCOs, at 
intra-industry fee agreements regulated by NTC, to fully and optimally utilize the usage of 
licensed frequencies that are presently assigned to existing major TELCOs;
e) Full use of the Internet Bandwidth supply made available by the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure 
to provide connectivity to all government offices and to the unserved and underserved areas 
of the country. For this purpose, the DICT shall formulate a policy to implement effective 
measures to make the internet Bandwidth supply available at a fair pricing scheme, to other 
TELCO stakeholders, giving priority to new Incoming players, particularly those that serve the 
poor and underserved communities and GIDAs;
f) Undertake contracts and other arrangements with private sector, including the middle and 
last mile providers, the GOCCs or LGUs for the provision of internet bandwidth sourced 
separately from, or in conjunction with, the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure, should it become 
necessary, to provide connectivity to end-users through multi-year obligations;
g) Promulgate joint policies with the DILG that mandate a simplified and streamlined 
permitting process for telecommunication and broadband infrastructure; and
h) Promulgate and implement policies for effective cross-sector infrastructure sharing, such 
as, but not limited to, coordinated or joint infrastructure development, dark fiber leasing, and 
joint venture.
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In pursuit of the above policy directives, the DICT shall undertake the following:
i. Implement programs that shall facilitate the setting-up of online, internet-based systems 
and platforms in offices of the public sector, including schools, universities and even barangay 
halls, across all levels;
ii. Assist public sector offices and agencies in the upgrading of their existing internet and other 
ICT infrastructure;
iii. Establish, in coordination with other government agencies, learning modules and relevant 
ICT solutions and systems to assist public sector employees, freelancers and self-employed 
individuals, and MSMEs In the use of relevant technological and digital platforms that can 
assist in the various cycles of their business model; and
iv. Direct the NTC to Implement all relevant policy directives under this Act, including, but not 
limited to, those pertaining to the enhancement of connectivity, improvement of internet 
speed and quality of service, and development of the digital infrastructure of the country.
The DICT in coordination with the DOH shall also promote research towards the development 
and establishment of an online data tracking system or the creation of a digital/phone-based 
application which is downloadable by the public for case monitoring, mapping, and contact­
tracing that shall be integrated with global positioning system (GPS) activated by real-time 
technologies to monitor and track individuals, alert the user of location-based risks and provide 
the user with updated and constant reminders and information for their health and safety. 
Any technology created for case monitoring, mapping and contact tracing shall be consistent 
with the Data Privacy Act. The DICT shall leverage the existing systems used for case 
monitoring, mapping and contact tracing. All systems, initiated by the public or private sector, 
shall be interconnected to each other and shall be subject to the policies and standards issued 
by the DICT.
The DICT shall take the lead in the establishment of e-government systems and shall fast 
track its plans to build the necessary infrastructure to promote and facilitate digitization of the 
government and interoperability of government services and systems, especially those located 
in the provinces and rural areas. Under this Act, government offices and agencies shall 
develop, introduce, and Implement solutions and systems to effectively facilitate government 
transactions through various online channels or contact-less mechanisms. This includes the 
uploading of pertinent government forms and their completion and/or submission thru 
websites or online portals in order to minimize the need for face-to-face transactions or 
physical travels or visits to government offices. Government agencies shall utilize creative 
adaptive technology that allows full access of PWDs to government services and are 
compliant with relevant existing laws and practices. This includes the establishment of a 
system of standards for Filipino sign language interpreting.
C. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
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The DTI in coordination with the DICTshaii estabiish a digital application for MSMEs to further 
enhance the conduct of e-commerce activities. The following measures shall be undertaken 
to assist MSMEs:
Regulatory bodies and other concerned government agencies and instrumentalities shall allow 
the immediate use of online platforms for application, processing, approval and release of 
loans;
The use of video or teleconferencing, emails, and other online platforms shall be allowed and 
shall be considered as compliance with government rules and regulations, and the 
requirements of meetings such as service of meeting notices, quorum and attendance 
requirements, and the registration of votes, on matters before the body conducting the 
meeting.
The DTI shall provide special support programs that will assist MSMEs and startups in 
achieving business recovery and resiliency including the following:
i. Capacity-building in digital skills;
ii. Support for digitalizing operations:
iii. Knowledge transfer and information-sharing with MSMEs; and
iv. Startup and MSMEs Innovation aid.
Delivery of fresh produce directly to consumers shall be promoted to lessen foot traffic in wet 
markets. The DTI, in coordination with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 
(TESDA) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), shall promote the transition to a 
digitalized wet market. The TESDA shall develop a digital literacy program which shall be made 
online and offer the same for free to farmers and public market vendors to fast-track the 
development of a digitalized wet market in every municipality and city in the country. The 
operation of market-on-wheels shall also be encouraged.
The DTI, in coordination with the DICT and the DOH, shall also promote the shifting, 
prioritization, or increase in government support or funding for the manufacturing sector, 
including MSMEs engaged in the production of healthcare, hygiene, and safety related goods, 
and the establishment of real-time online information exchange between private hospitals and 
medical facilities In the supply, demand, and procurement of the same: Provided, That 
concerned government agencies shall promote and integrate circular economy strategies in 
the procurement of materials or the development of mechanisms for hygiene and sanitation 
in the implementation of this Act.
The provision of government support could come in the form of. (1) integrated and 
uninterrupted supply chain networks; (2) reliable online market platforms; (3) stable universal 
broadband; (4) digital IDs or digital signature infrastructure; and (5) secured mobile payment 
channels, among others.
The DTT, NEDA, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), cultural government
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agencies such as the NCCA and the FDCP, in partnership with the private sector, shail 
formulate and implement a strategic marketing communications plan that will renew public 
interest in and restore confidence in
industries classified as non-essential but heavily affected due to the implementation of 
quarantine and other health measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
D. Department of Health (DOH)
The DOH shall institutionalize and regulate telemedicine and e-prescription activities, In 
accordance with relevant rules and regulations. It shall likewise explore technological 
innovations for certain health services that might be compromised in the new normal setting. 
'It shall promote and support local research on COVID-19 testing and treatment, and the 
development, manufacture and distribution of a vaccine.
To improve on public sanitation, the DOH shall execute all plans geared at achieving zero 
open defecation and require all LGUs to report on their achievements of this goal.
E. Local Water Districts and Water Utilities
Considering that water is a basic need in containing the transmission of COVID-19 and similar 
diseases, the local water districts shall ensure the availability of sufficient water supply in their 
areas of coverage. In the case of private water utilities, such service providers shall review 
and recommend the appropriate extension of concession agreements necessary to ensure 
sufficient water supply in their service areas as well as to fast track sewerage systems as 
required under RA No. 9275, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. Such 
service providers shall also be required to submit new master plans to reflect a speedier full 
sewerage, septage and wastewater treatment coverage of the metropolis.
F. Department of Public Works and Highways
The DPWH shall take full responsibility for the implementation of the National Sewerage and 
Septage Management Plan, and shall provide sufficient funds for it. All highly urbanized cities 
shall, in coordination with DENR, identify remaining hotspots of fecal transmission and 
construct the necessary waste water infrastructure using funds made available by the DPWH.
The DPWH shall Include in its priorities, the construction and completion of farm-to-market 
roads and barrio-to-hospital or barrio-to-health center road connectivity.
G. Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
The DBM shall undertake the formulation of the annual national budget in a way that ensures 
the appropriate prioritization and allocation of funds to support programs and projects to 
implement this Act for green, resilient and sustainable communities.
H. Department of Finance (DOF)
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The DOF shall streamline and rationalize the process for accessing international green and 
climate finance for programs and interventions identified under this Act to accelerate the 
implementation of technical cooperation projects and grants supportive of the resilient and 
sustainable recovery objectives of this Act.
Any sector that may be affected adversely by measures under this Act that would lead to 
unemployment or industry coiiapse shall be assisted by the LCDs and interlocal units in 
aileviating their economic status.
SEC. 10. Gender and Social Equity. - in the implementation of this Act and its 
implementing rules and regulations, special care and consideration shall be given to 
integrating gender issues and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the following:
a) Impiementation of alternative work arrangements in the public and private sectors 
ensuring that DSWD and LGUs attend to possible heightened cases of gender-based 
discrimination and domestic violence during intermittent mandatory lock-downs or 
quarantines;
b) Social protection measures to be Instituted for low-income and informal workers and 
daily wage earners that ensure restoration of livelihoods and such other ameliorative 
measures that shall compensate for temporary loss of incomes;
c) Sufficient and equal support for persons with disabilities, cognizant that women with 
disabilities are most disadvantaged and excluded from access to vital pandemic-related 
information and assistive acts;
d) Sufficient and equal provision of protective personal equipment to male and female 
frontline health workers and employees in both health centers and public and private 
firms and workplaces; and
e) Public reproductive health care services and the capacity of maternal health clinics and 
midwives to address needs of child-bearers in terms of isolation from infected patients, 
lactation and relactation assistance, and sufficient staffing and facilities for life-saving 
procedures.
The needs of women in the health care and medical frontline professions shall 
be considered in the procurement of personal protective equipment and such other 
assistive measures such as access to clean restrooms, reasonable work shifts and 
equity In wages.
SEC. 11. Prohibited Acts.- The following acts and omissions are prohibited under this
Act:
a) Failure to wear a mask while in public spaces or in the workplace during a pandemic 
caused by a respiratory virus such as the COVID-19;
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b) 
Failure to comply with the provisions on the management of spaces required in 
Section 6(B) of this Act except in subsections (1) and (3). In such cases, the subject 
gathering shall either be ordered ceased, with the maximum tolerance possible under 
existing laws, if such gathering does not comply with Section 6 (A) of this Act;
c) Failure to implement and monitor the proper implementation of Management of Public 
Transportation provided for under Section 6(C) of this Act;
d) 
Failure to submit the Management Plan within the period required in Section 8(a) of 
this Act; and
e) Failure of the employer, supervisor, manager or any person in charge to abide by the 
Case Management Protocols as provided for in Section 8 of this Act.
SEC. 12. Penalties. - Any person, natural or juridical, who violates the provisions under 
Section 11 of this Act shall, upon conviction, suffer the following penalties:
a) For violation of Section 11 (a) of this Act, a stern warning shall be issued for the first 
offense, and for succeeding offenses, a mandatory rendition of community service or 
performance of productive tasks, such as assisting in information campaign to combat 
the pandemic;
b) Imprisonment of one (1) month and one day to two (2) months or a fine ranging from 
One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) to Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), or both, at the 
discretion of the court for violation Section 11(b) to (e) of this Act.
In case the violation is committed by a partnership, corporation, association or 
any juridical person, the partner, president, director or manager who consents to or 
knowingly tolerates such violation shall be directly liable and responsible;
c) Suspension of the entity's permit to operate for any violation of Section 11(e): 
Provided, That the place owner, administrator or manager of the entity shall be given 
a period of fifteen (15) days to submit the required Management Plan: Provided 
further. That failure to comply within the 15-day period shall be meted a fine of Twenty 
thousand pesos (P20,000.00); and
d) Imprisonment of not less than two (2) months but not more than six (6) months, or a 
fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) but not more than One hundred 
thousand pesos (P100,000.00), or both imprisonment and fine, at the discretion of the 
court, in case the offender is a government official or employee.
SEC. 13. Appropriations.- The amount necessary to effectively carry out the provisions 
of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the concerned government 
agencies. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of
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this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within fifteen (15) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, a technical working group (TWG) shall be constituted composed of the 
respective heads or the duly authorized representatives of the following agencies:
a) Department of Interior and Local Government,
b) Department of Finance;
c) Department of Trade and Industry
d) National Economic Development Authority;
e) Department of Labor and Employment,
f) Department of Information and Communications Technology;
g) 
Department of Budget and Management;
h) Department of Transportation;
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Department of Education;
j) Department of Health;
k) Civil Service Commission;
l) Commission on Higher Education: and
m) the Inter-Agency Task Force (lATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious
Diseases
Within fifteen (15) days after the TWG is constituted, it shall promulgate the necessary 
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 15. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - A Joint Congressional Oversight 
Committee composed of four (4) members of each House to be appointed by the Senate 
President and the House Speaker, respectively, shall exercise an oversight function over the 
implementation of this Act.
SEC. 16. Sunset Clause.—This Act shall expire after a three-year period from the date 
of its effectivity, or sooner upon ofRcial declaration of the President of the Philippines issued 
upon recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging and 
Infectious Diseases that the prevailing pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus or similar 
infectious diseases has already been eradicated: Provided, That standards, protocols, and 
other measures prescribed by this Act which are not rendered useless or impractical by the 
eradication of COVID-19 may continue to be implemented.
SEC. 17. Separability Clause. — If any part or provision of this Act shall be declared as 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby 
shall continue to be in full force and effect.
SEC. 18. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules 
and regulations or parts thereof which are in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
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SEC. 19. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
In the Official Gazette or In a newspaper of general circulation.
SEC. 20. Reauthorization Clause. - This Act shall be revived upon declaration of a State 
of National Emergency of the President of the Philippines due to emergence of similar diseases 
that may result in a pandemic.
Approved,
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