EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBUC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
SENATE 
S. B. No. 1747
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Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
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 current COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered the lifestyles of all 
the people across the globe, and is forcing us to adopt the "new normal" where we 
have to wear face masks, find new ways of meeting with coileagues, still need to 
observe physical distancing, frequent hand washing, working remotely and other 
behavioral changes.
In April 2020, a survey conducted by the JAMA Internal Medicine - a medical 
journal published by the American Medical Association - revealed that in the United 
States, of the 8,950 respondents, 95.7% or 8,562 reported making changes to 
their lifestyles in response to COVID-19, with 93 percent increasing hand-washing, 
89 percent avoiding social gatherings and nearly 74.7 percent stockpiling food and 
supplies.
A recent survey of the PhilCare Community Quarantine Weliness Index with 
the University of the Philippines Diliman - College of Mass Communication as the lead 
researcher, reported that eight out of 10 or 76.7% of the Fiiipino-respondents said 
they prayed at least more frequent than they did before the lockdown. In addition, six 
of 10 respondents (60.1%) particulariy said they were not comfortable about going 
back to their offices. Meanwhile, six out of 10 respondents (60.9%) said they now 
rarely drank beer, wine, or liquor products as compared to before the lockdown; while


half (50.4%) said they now rarely smoked. Nearly all respondents, nonetheless, are 
most concerned with the health of their loved ones (95.9%), a possible "second wave" 
of COVID-19 (94.1%), and contracting the disease itself (93.6%).
This bill, which is a counterpart version to a bill filed by Deputy Speaker Loren 
Legarda in the House of Representatives, defines "Better Normal" in the context of 
pandemic recovery, referring to transformative behaviors and interventions informed 
by science that address the underlying vulnerabilities of people and communities that 
the pandemic has highlighted. The interventions included in the bill aim to foster a 
just and equitable transition to a dimate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. It 
also enumerates universal mandatory health and safety measures and protocols to 
ensure that the public is shielded and protected from viruses of such grand scale. 
Further, the bill details the policies governing the management of public spaces and 
public transportation and the Better Normal for the education sector, e-governance, 
and In our work places to help stem the spread of the virus.
This proposed legislative measure similarly strengthens the synergy between 
and among national government agencies, local government units and the private 
sector by defining their roles and responsibilities in the better normal. The bill 
mandates the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to provide 
scoreboard and incentive system to ensure compliance of various local government 
units. The bill also encourages all private establishments to fulfill their social and civic 
responsibility to help the affected Filipinos and the government in mitigating the 
impact of the pandemic.
The bill also seeks to develop the country's digital infrastructure through the 
National Broadband Plan of the Department of Information and Communications 
Technology (DICT) and addresses issues on water supply, sanitation and waste 
management which are key in containing the spread of virus.
To help the vulnerable sectors of our society to cope with the changes brought 
about by the pandemic, this proposed measure mandates to establish standards and 
protocol that would simultaneously protect them from COVID-19 and prevent its 
transmission, and the restoration of livelihood opportunities and sources of income for 
all, especially the poor.


More importantly, this bill will help the national government regain the 
confidence of all the main actors in the economy - employees, consumers, firms, 
investors and local authorities in its effort to gradually re-open the Philippine economy.
Approval of this bill is earnestly sought to immediately start on the task of 
making the new normal a better normal.
NY ANGARA


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. B. No. 1747
FILED
DATE
TJME
BILL&
NDbX
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
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^IS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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SECTION I. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Better Normal for the
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Workplace, Communities and Public Spaces Act of2020'.
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and
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promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
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The State shall also protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and
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healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
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Towards this end, the State, in order to help save lives as well as jumpstart the
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economy, shall:
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a) Adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to public health and
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environmental policies and regulations during a pandemic, thus, ensuring
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the overall well-being of individuais, communities, industrial and natural
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ecosystems. Consideration shall be paid to valuing the services provided
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by ecosystems and biodiversity in generating the direction and
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prescriptions for a better normal and in assessing their success;
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b) Institute appropriate public health, safety, and security measures to stem
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the transmission of the corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) or similar
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diseases that may result in any kind of pandemic;


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c) Regulate, institute, and establish standards and protocols that would
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simultaneously protect the vulnerable from COVID-19 and prevent its
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transmission;
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d) Pursue the restoration of livelihood opportunities and sources of income
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for all, especially the poor, in the event of widespread disease outbreak
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and the resulting slowdown of economic activity, and building adaptive
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capacity and resilience for future shocks;
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e) Pursue universal broadband access for all to ensure a better normal in
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recognition of the crucial role of a strong information and communications
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technology (ICT) system to close the digital divide and that the need for
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modern and innovative ICT cuts across all sectors of society;
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f) Ensure that pandemic recovery will lead to a greener, resilient, inclusive,
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and sustainable future, hence, recovery needs should be addressed with
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long-term sustainability goals; and
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g) Give importance to other aspects of well-being of the people based on the
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Gross National Happiness indicators, namely, equitable and sustainable
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socio-economic development, the preservation and promotion of cultural
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values, the conservation of the natural environment, and the
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establishment of good governance.
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In adopting the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach and
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recognizing the need for innovation and more forward-thinking systems and
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approaches, the State shall give priority to the needs of the underprivileged, sick,
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elderly, persons with disability, indigenous peoples, women and children.
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SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act shall have the following objectives:
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a) Define and allocate roles, responsibilities, and obligations across key
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sectors of the society that shall be heavily involved in the implementation
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of specific and applicable measures, namely, the national government and
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its instrumentalities, local government, private sector, and individual
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Filipino citizens;
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b) Identify standards and protocols in the management of physical spaces,
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both publicly-owned and -managed, or privately-owned but are designated
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communal spaces, and prescribe the allowed and prohibited 
activities


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therein as well as behaviors expected and required of the citizens while
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utilizing such physical spaces;
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c) Facilitate the development of the necessary systems and infrastructure and
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the enhancement of existing ones so as to ensure that the ICT needs of the
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better normal are accessible to all, making it possible for people and
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organizations to practice appropriate behavior and decisions as weii as for
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relevant government agencies to implement relevant, effective, and timely
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information dissemination;
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d) Establish systems of accountabiiity for failure to comply with the obligations
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and expectations prescribed under this Act;
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e) Provide inclusive operational parameters, guidelines, and recommendations
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for a better way of life untii such time that the threat of COVID-19 virus and
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other similar diseases that caused the occurrence of a pandemic is
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effectively contained;
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f) Mitigate, if not contain, the transmission of the virus and undertake
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measures to prevent the overburdening of the public healthcare system;
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g) Continue health promotion and behavior-enhancing measures in all levels
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of government and the private sector; and,
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h) Accelerate transformational change to restore the balance between human,
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socio-economic and natural ecosystems, and reduce risk and vulnerability
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to future crises caused by climate change, natural hazards and man-made
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disasters.
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SEC. 4. Scope of the Act. - This Act shall provide the strategies and measures
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that shall be implemented so that economic and social activities can proceed in a
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manner that ensures public health, safety, and security during an epidemic or
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pandemic, and until such time that the same and its immediate impacts are deciared
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eradicated by the authorized National Government agency or agencies of the
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government.
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The organization, operation, and activities in workplaces, communities, and
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public spaces shall be governed by the provisions of this Act.
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SEC. 5. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:


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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 resiiient 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 Measures 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 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 local government units (LGUs), public zoos, public libraries, 
roads, streets, avenues, alleys, public markets, parks, plazas, covered


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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) Privately-managed public 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;
i) 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.
j) 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;
k) 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 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.


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SEC. 6. Standards for Better Normal. - In order to stem the transmission
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of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, and protect the people from such diseases,
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the following standards for the better normal shall be observed:
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A. Universal and Mandatory Health and Safety Measures
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1) Basic personal hygiene shall be strictly observed by the general public. Massive
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health information drive shall be conducted by the Department of Health
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(DOH) and LGUs up to the community level, in cooperation with the private
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sector, on COVID-19 to instill public awareness on the risks of infection and
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possible reinfection of the disease;
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2) The general public shall wear face masks, earloop masks, indigenous,
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reusable or do-it-yourself masks, face shields, handkerchiefs, or such other
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protective material or equipment that effectively lessen the transmission of
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the COVID-19 virus whenever they are in the workplace, public places, and
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communities: Provided, That the government shall implement the free
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distribution of masks to the general public to guarantee the full cooperation
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of every citizen: Provided, further, That the government shall allocate funds
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to ensure the free provision of personal protective equipment and other
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medical commodities to COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients in both public
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and private hospitals: Provided, furthermore. That the government shall
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integrate circular economy strategies in the procurement of materials or the
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development of mechanisrhs for hygiene and sanitation;
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3) Hand washing facilities or sanitizing stations shall be established and
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maintained by the owners, managers, or administrators of public spaces, work
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places and other places frequented by the public;
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4) Physical distancing measured at least one (1) meter between individuals shall
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be strictly observed whenever in public spaces and in the workplace;
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5) Temperature reading of persons shall be conducted by the owners, managers,
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or administrators of workplaces and in all enclosed, semi-enclosed, and open
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areas where two or more people shall gather;
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6) The DOH, in coordination with other government agencies and the private
31 
sector, shall conduct an information and educational campaign utilizing
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traditional and online media to disseminate relevant medical and health


1 
information, provide updates on local cases and initiatives of the government:
2 
Provided, That all government agencies are directed to create a communication
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plan for the better normal to articulate the policies and interventions to be
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adopted by the agencies for the information and compliance of their
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employees, including the placement of relevant on-site signages and online
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information materials which will serve as reminders to observe physical
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distancing, practice regular handwashing, and to frequently clean and sanitize
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surroundings;
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7) Local chief executives of LGUs which are considered as containment zones or
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critical zones for the transmission of COVID-19 shall establish testing centers
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and procure COVID-19 testing kits, personal protective equipment, and such
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other necessary equipment and supplies to be used for the conduct of mass-
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testing of the population in their respective jurisdictions, including the
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establishment of drive-through testing centers, and other contactless modes
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of testing for the detection of the COVID-19 or other infectious diseases;
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8) There shall be nationwide testing drive to prepare for any future waves of
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infection surges or any other epidemic. The minimum rate of testing shall be
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one percent (1%) of the population of the province or city, in the case of
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independent cities, and shall target to finish testing residents within ten (10)
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days;
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9) The DOH, with assistance from LGUs and Department of the Interior and Local
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Government (DILG), shall conduct tracing of individuals who have had contact
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with or have been exposed to a person who has been confirmed positive for
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the COVID-19 or similar infectious diseases. The DOH shall also conduct
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contact tracing for individuals suspected of or probably afflicted with the
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disease to ensure prompt containment of the disease;
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10)The DOH shall establish and manage government-operated and -maintained
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quarantine facilities for individuals who are suspected of being infected or
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have tested positive for COVID-19 or other infectious diseases and who,
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pursuant to the guidelines formulated by the Inter-Agency Task Force (lATF)
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for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and/or as prescribed
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under DOH regulations, should undergo mandatory quarantine, including


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those who are not able to observe quarantine protocols in their respective
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places of residences;
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ll)Local chief executives of LGUs shall continuously implement existing
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measures, including quarantine measures, in deaiing with residents or any
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other individual in the locality manifesting COVID-19 symptoms, or who has
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been classified as a suspect, probable, or a confirmed case of COVID-19
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infection by authorized testing or medical facilities;
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12)The National Government shall establish and implement infection prevention
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and control protocol, biosafety and waste management measures;
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13)Local chief executives of LGUs shall continuously monitor the level of
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transmission among residents in their jurisdiction; Provided, That the
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standards provided in Republic Act (RA) No. 10173, also known as the Data
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Privacy Act of 2012, as well as legal and ethical standards, and existing DOH
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guidelines are observed and complied with;
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14)The National Government shall recognize the vulnerabilities of certain sectors
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of the population such as the elderly, pregnant, children and persons
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deprived of liberty, and shall provide safeguards and assistance to them,
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including access to mental and psychological health services; and
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15)Government offices and the owners, managers, or administrators of
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workplaces and other places frequented by the public shall implement regular
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cleaning and disinfection of transport conveyances, terminals and similar
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facilities including elevators and escalators, particularly frequently touched
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surfaces thereat;
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B. Management of Spaces
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1) Mass gatherings are prohibited subject to the exceptions as may be provided
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under the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of this Act;
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LGUs shall regulate public gatherings as well as the flow of people in
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government-managed public spaces, subject to the limitations as may be
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provided under the guidelines set in the IRR of this Act to prevent disease
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transmission: Provided, That activities of agencies of the National Government
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or their provincial or regional offices involved in the delivery of services or
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distribution of all forms of public assistance or the facilitation thereof shall in
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no way be impeded nor be required a permit from any government authority:
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Provided, further, That gatherings under this category shaii observe the
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Universai and Mandatory Safety Measures enumerated in paragraph (A) of this
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Section: Provided, furthermore. That LGUs, in consuitation with the private
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sector stakeholders, shaii provide the national, regionai, and provinciai agencies
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and their attached offices the necessary assistance to carry out their activities
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requiring the presence or participation of a significant number of the
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population: Provided, finaiiy. That other than exceptions to these prohibitions,
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intended for public purpose or interest, the guideiines shaii iikewise inciude
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parameters to ensure compliance with physicai distancing and other measures
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to prevent transmission of the virus;
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2) Land use pianning and zoning shaii be strictly observed in the implementation
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of this Act; and,
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3) Management of spaces shaii iikewise include the establishment of urban
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gardens, and green spaces not oniy for people to enjoy a clean and healthy
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environment, but also to enable them to grow their own sources of food and
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nutrition.
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C. Management of Public Transportation
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1) The appropriate government agencies shall monitor the implementation of the
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Universai and Mandatory Safety Measures in the management of public
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transportation terminais and faciiities, including queuing or ticketing iines,
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ticketing offices, as weii as the interiors of pubiic utility vehicies, mass
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transportations, and private vehicies covered by appiication-based
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transportation network services, and by their respective drivers, conductors
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and passengers; Provided, That the government shaii shoulder the costs of
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mandatory COVID-19 testing in the public transportation sector;
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2) The operation of motorcycle taxis shaii remain suspended to prevent the
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spread of the virus through shared helmets and close physical contact between
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passengers and drivers;


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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 while Inside the vehicle;
4) Contact-less payment mechanisms shall be promoted such as the use of money 
trays and automatic fare collection systems to minimize the risk of transmission 
of the COVID-19 virus;
5) Agencies and authorities tasked to manage transport hubs such as airports, 
ports, harbors, and similar facilities shall coordinate with the concerned LCDs 
in the implementation of the Universal and Mandatory Safety Measures herein 
provided and shall consider the following special measures;
I. Establishment of public health corridors in airports and ports; 
ii. Mandatory body temperature reading for all arriving and departing 
passengers;
ill. Mandatory quarantine at home or in an authorized government facility 
for all arriving passengers;
iv. Mandatory collection of data for the maintenance of a database of 
information for contact-tracing purposes only;
V. Thorough sanitizing and disinfection of all arriving and departing 
vessels;
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Mandatory regular testing of all employees, personnel, staff, and crew 
attached to vessels and those who have assisted passengers; and
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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 shali 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.
10


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highways, and other transport infrastructure networks to give priority to
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healthcare, emergency, peace and order, and supply-chain vehicles
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transporting individuals, goods, equipment, or those used in the pursuit of
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services deemed essential and critical: Provided, That pursuant to the
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provisions of Section 21 (d) of RA No. 8749, otherwise known as the Clean Air
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Act, the DOTr shall ensure that vehicles strictly comply with current emission
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standards; and
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8) To promote safe physical distancing and sustainable mobility, LGUs and
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appropriate government development authorities having jurisdiction over
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roadways or highways, in coordination with the Department of Public Works
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and Highways (DPWH), and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
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in the case of the National Capital Region (NCR), shall immediately create
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green lanes which are dedicated, protected and interconnected lanes for
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personal mobility devices such as bicycles, e-bicycles, scooters, and
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similar micromobile devices: Provided, That personal mobility users shall
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observe safe physical distancing and speeds prescribed by the LGUs or
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relevant regional development agencies. Bicycle racks and secure bicycle
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parking sheds and spaces shall be established in government offices,
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hospitals, public schools and higher education institutions, and other facilities.
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Changing and shower rooms shall be promoted as well by public facility
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managers to encourage more bicycle and micromobile commuting: Provided,
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further. That the DOTr, DPWH and LGUs shall ensure that these dedicated
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and interconnected lanes for bicycles and micromobility devices are included
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in current and future road projects.
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D. Better Normal for Schools and Education Institutions
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1) To give priority to the health, well-being and safety of the education sector,
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the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education
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(CHED) shall make the necessary determination on the appropriate start of the
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academic year for all public and private schools, state universities and colleges
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(SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), private colleges and universities.
11


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and other learning institutions and make the appropriate recommendation to
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President;
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2) Ail public and private education institutions including private and public
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universities and colleges shall formulate, develop and adopt a flexible learning
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approach which is designed to meet students' needs, capabilities of faculty
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members and conditions on the ground, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity
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and without prejudice to the adoption of measures for online learning;
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3) The DepEd shall develop. Implement and promote a flexible learning program
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for K-12 students in all public and private schools, taking into consideration
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the capability of the school and its teachers in delivering such program, and
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the accessibility of learning materials, either physical or electronic, to the
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students. The flexible learning program shall be geared towards limiting
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physical contact among the school population and minimizing the impact on
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the potential for learning and instruction between learners and teachers and
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upgrading or improving the quality of electronic and digital content to be made
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available in cases where online or distance learning modalities are pursued;
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Provided, That students shall not be penalized for their inability to access and
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participate in electronic or digital means of learning due to limitations in
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connectivity, unavailability of equipment or other circumstances caused by the
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COVID-19 pandemic: Provided, further. That, television (TV) and radio
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programs done in partnership between DepEd, National Council for Children
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Television, National Commission for Culture and the Arts and it's attached
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agencies. Film Development Council of the Philippines, Philippine Sports
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Commission, Early Childhood Community Development Center, higher
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education institutions (HEIs) and pertinent cooperatives and organizations,
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and with the assistance of licensed TV and radio broadcast stations shall serve
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as alternative platforms for learning;
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4) The CHED shall monitor the implementation of flexible learning programs for
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all HEIs, SUCs and LCDs. HEIs shall continue to exercise academic freedom and
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levels of autonomy in the governance of their own academic affairs: Provided,
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That students shall not be penalized for their inability to access or participate
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in electronic or digital means of learning due to limitations in connectivity or
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unavailability of equipment;
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5) The National Government shall allocate funding for the research, training of
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faculty, curriculum development, monitoring and evaluating, benchmarking,
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and the development of systems for learning continuity during times of crisis
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such as the occurrence of a pandemic. Such funding shall be made available
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by the National Government, from the existing budgetary allocation for the K-
8 
12 and other similar programs, and made available to HEIs, including those
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organized as stock corporations, local research institutes, academic
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organizations, LGUs, school boards, and individual researchers through an
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application process to be prescribed by the DepEd and the CHED: Provided,
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That for the benefit of learners who have hearing impairment, the full
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participation of deaf linguistics organizations and deaf cooperatives shall be
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required in the development of learning materials;
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6) Subject to consultation with the DepEd, CHED, and the Technical Education
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and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), all face-to-face classes and group
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school activities, including sports, athletics, cultural, and academic meets,
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exhibitions, competitions as well as extra-curricular field or exposure trips and
19 
student exchanges shall remain suspended unless otherwise officially declared
20 
permissible by competent authorities without prejudice to the academic
21 
freedom and levels of autonomy enjoyed by HEIs in the management and
22 
conduct of their academic affairs;
23 
7) Digital learning shall be promoted by the National Government in coordination
24 
with telecommunications companies, private sector content providers and
25 
stakeholders, and internet service providers;
26 
8) Public and private education institutions including private colleges and
27 
universities and other accredited learning and training institutions shall
28 
prioritize the establishment of online platforms for the Continuing Professional
29 
Development (CPD) and Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE)
30 
programs; and
31 
9) Subject to existing rules and regulations, meaningful inclusion and effective
32 
participation of students and the learning community must be ensured in all
13


1 
aspects of pandemic response and recovery plan in education: Provided, That
2 
mechanisms to uphold autonomy of student councils or governments, and
3 
support for uninterrupted operations of campus press shall be in place.
4 
E. Management of Cultural and Heritage Spaces
5 
Digital platforms shall be used to consolidate resources and cultural forms
6 
in public spaces, whether generated by the private or the public sector, to
7 
create an archive of oral histories, visual ethnographies, philosophical
8 
discourse, and technical and creative capacity-building programs geared
9 
towards bolstering various creative industries, that shall be made available to
10 
the public for virtual appreciation and learning, most especially in the K-12
11 
system. Online promotion or streaming of cultural programs, performances,
12 
exhibitions and enhancement of existing public arts and monuments shall be
13 
highly encouraged and geared towards sustainability.
14 
F. Better Normal for Private Commercial and Industrial Workplaces
15 
1) The National Government, in coordination with the LGUs, and in partnership
16 
with accredited or duly-recognized organizations that pertain to each sector,
17 
shall maintain databases on all private commercial, industrial, and other
18 
businesses operating in their areas of jurisdiction. The database shall include
19 
information such as the number of employees, working hours, workspace
20 
conditions, office floor areas, and other information necessary to ensure
21 
compliance with physical distancing and other protocols prescribed by this Act
22 
to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 virus;
23 
2) All private commercial, industrial, and other forms of businesses shall be
24 
required to submit a Management Plan to the concerned LGU which shall
25 
determine the said business's compliance with the necessary safeguards and
26 
the Universal Safety Measures provided under this Act, as well as industrial
27 
safeguards and safety measures provided for by the implementing agencies:
28 
Provided, That the review of all Management Plans shall be conducted
29 
promptly upon submission to allow establishments to resume operations as
30 
soon as possible: Provided further. That the Management Plan shall integrate
31 
circular economy strategies in the procurement of materials or the
32 
development of mechanisms for hygiene and sanitation: Provided,
14


1 
furthermore, That LGUs are authorized to conduct periodic inspection of
2 
private commercial, industrial and other businesses operating within their
3 
territorial jurisdiction to ensure compliance of these businesses with the
4 
Universal and Mandatory Safety Measures and other standards and protocols
5 
prescribed under this Act and its IRR;
6 
3) All private commercial, industrial and other businesses shall implement their
7 
Management Plan and shall incorporate alternative work arrangements such
8 
as work-from-home schemes, including rotational work or shifting in
9 
schedules, in applicable industries to lessen by at least fifty percent (50%) the
10 
number of employees required to report to their workplaces physically. For the
11 
private sector, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in
12 
consultation with the private sector, shall standardize the template for and the
13 
required contents of the said Management Plan. The LGUs shall be in charge
14 
of monitoring the implementation of this provision;
15 
4) All private commercial, industrial and other businesses shall shoulder all
16 
expenditures in complying with the mandates of this Act, and such
17 
expenditures shall not in any way be charged to employees. There shall be no
18 
diminution of salaries, wages, benefits and other remunerations guaranteed
19 
by the Labor Code and other relevant laws to employees by reason of
20 
employer's compliance with this Act;
21 
5) The relevant provisions of the Labor Code notwithstanding, being late or being
22 
absent for work due to heavy traffic, unavailability of public transport or of
23 
shuttle or transportation service due to reasons related to the implementation
24 
of this Act shall not be a cause for disciplinary action against, or termination
25 
of, the employees. Private commercial and industrial businesses are hereby
26 
mandated to adopt a flexible working schedule in keeping with the policy of
27 
maintaining a minimum of eight (8) hour work per day, or forty-eight (48) hour
28 
work per week, which shall be incorporated in their Management Plans; and
29 
6) The DOLE shall ensure the conduct of health and safety audits of all
30 
workplaces, including special economic zones, in line with RA No. 11058,
31 
otherwise known as An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational
32 
Safety and Health Standards and providing penalties for violations thereof
15


1 
G. Better Normal Governance Measures
2 
1) Various forms of electronic governance or e-governance mechanisms shall be
3 
established to facilitate continuous and efficient transactions between and
4 
among government agencies, and the private sector, as well as in the
5 
delivery of socio-economic services including the utilization of online payment
6 
system, appointment-based transactions, the Philippine national public key
7 
infrastructure, electronic business permits and licensing systems, electronic
8 
procurement system, electronic management systems for human resources,
9 
records, accounting, as well as other ICT- enabled systems and solutions for
10 
effective and efficient e-governance.
11 
An internet based electronic payment facility and gateway, such as e-
12 
money and similar platforrns, shall be utilized in collecting taxes, fees, tolls,
13 
imposts, and other revenues and in paying for goods, services, and other
14 
disbursements. Government offices and government-owned and -controlied
15 
corporations (GOCCs) that are already partially applying this kind of digitized
16 
payment mechanism must improve the current system used in order to
17 
accommodate the increase in the number of transactions. The government
18 
shall establish online payment systems and may partner with payment
19 
solutions providers;
20 
2) Government agencies involved in business registration such as the Department
21 
of Trade and Industry (DTI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),
22 
Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR),
23 
Social Security System (SSS), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-lbig Pag-
24 
IBIG Fund), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), LGUs, and
25 
other permit and license issuing agencies shall be integrated to facilitate the
26 
efficient delivery of business registration-related services;
27 
3) The Bangko Sentra! ng Pilipinas shall accelerate the adoption by all payment
28 
service providers of the National Quick Response (QR) Code standard to
29 
hasten the interoperability of QR-driven payment services and eliminate the
30 
need for merchants and clients to maintain several accounts;
31 
4) A government online procurement system that encompasses all procurement
32 
processes involving bidding, contract agreements, and payment for services or
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1 
supplies, and which shall contain a tracking and customer service mechanism
2 
shall also be developed; and
3 
5) Where applicable, the relevant provisions of RA No. 11032, otherwise known
4 
as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Deiivery Act
5 
of 2018, shali supplement the provisions of this Act.
6 
H. Other Aspects of Better Normal
7 
1) The government shall provide important information related to health
8 
emergencies to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and institutionalize assistive
9 
mechanisms for them such as requiring sign interpretation in TV news
10 
broadcasts and live streamed public information programs and content. In
11 
relation thereto, a system of standards for assistive mechanisms for PWDs shali
12 
be planned, financed, implemented, and monitored. For purposes of this Act,
13 
individuals who assist PWDs such as sign language interpreters shall be
14 
recognized as front linens providing essential services;
15 
2) The government shall provide sufficient support for culture bearers and
16 
masters, and those engaged in crafts-making such as weaving and carving. To
17 
this end, appropriate support shall be given to artists, cuitural workers,
18 
freelancers and the self-employed, such as those working in the audiovisual,
19 
entertainment, and live events sector, and other creative industries such as
20 
architecture and allied arts, dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music, visual
21 
arts, contemporary arts or expressions, audiovisual and multimedia, and
22 
scholars, critics, curators, and cultural workers;
23 
3) The local chief executives of LGUs, in coordination with the private sector, shall
24 
implement, monitor and maintain a planned schedule for people traveling to
25 
and from their respective workplaces or residences located in the LGU and if
26 
possible or applicable, the charter of various means of transportation for the
27 
use of residents and workers to and from their respective destinations;
28 
4) There shall be a continuous impiementation of alternative work arrangements
29 
in the public and private sectors based on the nature of work of an empioyee,
30 
the workplace and its location or place, and its distance to and from the
31 
residences of employees;
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5) The implementation of RA No. 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste
2 
Management Act of2000, in relation to the proper disposal and management
3 
of wastes resulting from activities related to the implementation of this Act
4 
shall be strictly monitored: Provided, That the National Government shall
5 
implement regulations on the manufacture and importation, use, recycling of
6 
all single-use plastics used in trade or commerce in business enterprises, as
7 
well as by retailers and consumers: Provided, further. That the government
8 
shall conduct a research and develop single-use plastic packaging alternatives
9 
and provide incentives to plastic industries that will shift to other
10 
manufacturing activities;
11 
6) Adaptation measures such as the establishment of multi-hazard early warning
12 
systems that reach out the last mile, capacity building of national experts,
13 
construction of rainwater harvesters in government owned-and
14 
managed buildings and spaces, and the establishment of seedbanks and
15 
vegetable gardens in available open spaces in local communities, rooftops of
16 
government-owned and -managed buildings shall be implemented;
17 
7) To prevent the transmission and spread of zoonotic diseases among humans,
18 
all government agencies and offices and LGUs shall ensure that the protection
19 
of biological diversity is Integrated and mainstreamed into programs and
20 
projects;
21 
8) The National Government, through relevant government agencies such as the
22 
DICT, DTI, DILG, in accordance with their respective mandates, and with the
23 
support of the private sector, shall plan for and undertake universal
24 
digitalization as well as promote and implement programs and innovations to
25 
accelerate public access and connectivity including the progressive roll-out of
26 
the National Broadband Program and the Free Public Internet Access Program
27 
down to the barangay level;
28 
9) The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Disaster Risk Reduction and
29 
Management Council (NDRRMC), DILG through the Persons with Disabilities
30 
Affairs Offices (PDAOs), and DOH shall gather, compile, update, and publish
31 
online, disaggregated demographic and mapping data on deaf and all other
32 
persons with disabilities nationwide in the context of the pandemic;
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1 
10)The PSA, DTI, NDRRMC, DOLE, DOH, National Economic Development
2 
Authority (NEDA) and other relevant agencies shall gather, compile and update
3 
disaggregated demographic and mapping data on critically impacted
4 
businesses, sectors, and industries in the context of the pandemic in order to
5 
get a better census of the needs of the various sectors and industries; and,
6 
11)In compliance with Section 10 of RA No. 11106, otherwise known as the
7 
Filipino Sign Language Act, ensure the continued placement of TV insets in
8 
news and public affairs programs through video remote interpreting on TV as
9 
well as online streaming platforms, and promote as well deaf-produced/-signed
10 
pandemic and quarantine related public information.
11 
SEC. 7. Role ofLGUs. - LGUs shall, in their respective territorial jurisdictions,
12 
be primarily responsible for instituting localized policies and legislation in accordance
13 
with the better normal measures prescribed under Section 6 hereof and other related
14 
directives and issuances of the National Government. Local governments must ensure
15 
that their policy-making process shall involve the participation of all stakeholders.
16 
Consultations with the communities shall be pursued as a matter of course to ensure
17 
that such policies respond properly to the needs of the people. In this regard, the
18 
LGUs shall have the following responsibilities;
19 
a) 
Ensure the proper implementation of the provisions of this Act within
20 
their respective territorial jurisdiction;
21 
b) 
Enact the necessary and appropriate ordinance for the local
22 
implementation of the provisions of this Act, including the promotion of low-
23 
contact payment mechanisms such as the use of electronic money (e-money)
24 
as a medium of exchange in collecting taxes, fees, tolls, imposts, and other
25 
revenues and in paying for goods, services, and other disbursements:
26 
Provided, That the LGU shall make the necessary arrangements with the
27 
relevant government agencies and government-recognized regulating entities
28 
to acquire e-money payment capability;
29 
c) 
Require, by ordinance, merchants or business entities in their localities
30 
to obtain and maintain e-money payment system capability that is accessible
31 
by phone or other access devices, as a prerequisite for the approval of
32 
application for or renewal of business permits;
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32
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 wi-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;
i) 
In coordination with DOH, provide immediate assistance to all reported 
COVID-confirmed residents and patients;
j) 
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;
k) 
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
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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 agricultural 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;
l) 
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
m) 
The LGUs, in coordination with the cultural agencies such as the NCCA, 
National 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, including 
natural resources, built heritage structures, and tangible and intangible 
heritage, including indigenous knowledge and resources, with the end in view 
that the resulting database and documentation shall aid LGUs in formulating 
localized policies and programs that will help prevent the transmission of
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29
30
zoonotic diseases among the people and help protect their health and well­
being.
An application shall be developed as repository of the data retrieved 
from cultural mapping activities.
n) 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, othen/vise 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.
To ensure the implementation of this provision, the DILG shall create a 
scoreboard and incentive system for LGUs.
SEC. 8. Role of the Private Sector—
a) 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 DON, 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;
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31
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;
6) 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 
workplace;
7) Signages, reminders, and other information, in accessible formats, 
including 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 provided or to be provided 
by businesses to their respective employees in order to inclusively 
implement the practices mandated in this Act;
10) Mechanisms for managing employees exhibiting symptoms or 
confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19 infection, 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;
23


1 
12)Mechanisms to implement a circular economy in the workplace such
2 
as the: I) reduction on the consumption of non-renewable resources;
3 
ii) development or design of products that minimize waste; iii) re-use
4 
of materials and expansion of the useful life of products; iv) prevention
5 
of harmful emissions to soil, air and water; and iv) the installation of
6 
segregation and recycling facilities;
7 
13)Mechanisms for a healthier working environment such as but not
8 
limited to the use of natural, non-toxic and low global warming
9 
potential materials and equipment, improved indoor air quality and
10 
ventilation with sustainable cooling technologies, and the more
11 
efficient use of space; and
12 
14)Measures to implement a "zero to landfill" policy such as setting targets
13 
for reducing waste production; implementing sorting and recycling for
14 
all office waste; ensuring that recycled waste is composted or recycled;
15 
or observing sharing economy practices such as reusing and recycling.
16 
b. All private businesses, offices and establishments shall require all employees
17 
to subject themselves to a thermal or temperature scan prior to being allowed
18 
entry. Employees whose recorded body temperature render them suspect for
19 
symptoms of COVID-19 shall be asked to undergo the necessary quarantine
20 
protocols and given the appropriate medical advice, or subjected to the
21 
appropriate health care in coordination with authorized medical facilities;
22 
c. Private entities resuming their operations and requiring the physical presence
23 
of their employee subject to their Management Plan shall provide shuttle or
24 
transportation services under the conditions applicable to public
25 
transportation operators: Provided, That private entities and owners of
26 
buildings and establishments shall support employees and building occupants
27 
who have opted to commute through bicycles and other micro-mobility devices
28 
by installing bicycle racks, storage, and bicycle parking spaces: Provided,
29 
further. That the installation of changing and shower rooms to support green
30 
transport and promote safe and proper hygiene shall likewise be promoted by
31 
business establishments;
24


1 
d. There shall be an employee case management protocol to be observed on the
2 
treatment of patients or of persons suspected to be afflicted with the disease
3 
in accordance with prevailing DOH guidelines: Provided, That patient-doctor
4 
confidentiality shall be suspended in order to aid contact tracing and in the
5 
identification of possible COVID-19 patients; and,
6 
e. In the provision of assistance and financing schemes, the lack of capacity of
7 
micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the implementation of their
8 
respective Management Plan shall be taken into consideration.
9 
The implementation of mandatory public health standards and other
10 
health-promoting practices committed by business owners in their respective
11 
Management Plans shall be the joint responsibility of the owners or
12 
management of establishments and their respective LGUs.
13 
All private establishments are hereby encouraged to practice corporate social
14 
responsibility (CSR) to help the government in its fights against COVID-19.
15 
SEC. 9. Specific Responsibiiities of Particuiar Nationai Government
16 
Offices, their respective Attached Agencies, and GOCCs. - In addition to the
17 
duties and mandates of National Government agencies already prescribed in the other
18 
sections of this Act, the following agencies and offices are mandated to carry out the
19 
following responsibilities, to wit:
20 
A. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
21 
The PSA shall fast-track the implementation of the provisions of RA No. 11055,
22 
otherwise known as the Philippine Identification System Act, and RA No. 11315,
23 
otherwise known as the Community-Based Monitoring System Act, to facilitate the
24 
profiling, contact-tracing, and distribution of forms of assistance under the better
25 
normal period after the lifting of enhanced community quarantine measures.
26 
The PSA shall coordinate with the DILG, Department of Social Welfare and
27 
Development (DSWD) and LGUs to cull information from the Community-Based
28 
Monitoring System (CBMS) that may be utilized in fast-tracking efforts geared towards
29 
the full implementation of the Philippine Identification System Act.
30 
The PSA may likewise cull information contained in the existing databases of
31 
the government on birth certificates, passports, voter's registration, GSIS, SSS,
32 
PAGIBIG, Philhealth through data-sharing arrangements, subject to the rules and
25


1 
procedures that shall be established by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) for
2 
purposes of facilitating the implementation of the Philippine Identification System Act.
3 
To facilitate the integration of environmental concerns in national development
4 
planning and policy-making, the PSA, in coordination with the DENR, DA, NEDA,
5 
Department of Energy (DOE), and the Climate Change Commission, shall enhance the
6 
Philippine Economic-Environmental Natural Resources Accounting (PEENRA) System
7 
as part of the national income accounting system.
8 
The DENR and the DA shall generate baseline information and build a database to
9 
support ecosystem-based assessment and monitoring, continuing research and
10 
development, technology development and transfer, and capacity building, for the
11 
conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystems, especially the
12 
coastal, marine, and forestry sectors.
13 
The PEENRA shall be considered a scientific planning tool to avert ecosystems
14 
and biodiversity loss with a view to preventing the transmission of zoonotic diseases
15 
and pursuing anticipatory adaptation measures amid the impacts of climate change.
16 
It shall include the provision for strategic climate financing for localized climate
17 
adaptation investments supporting risk-based local planning, energy transition to
18 
renewable and indigenous sources, resilient infrastructure, agro-ecology, water and
19 
food security, technological innovation for critical sectors like agriculture and fisheries,
20 
and capacity building for green enterprises.
21 
The PEENRA system shall be based on a framework that Includes the
22 
accounting of environmental conditions and quality, environmental resources and their
23 
utilization, depreciation of natural capital, environmental damages, and loss and
24 
damage associated with climate change impacts.
25 
B. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
26 
The DICT shall fast track the progressive and full implementation of the
27 
National Broadband Program (NBP) by immediately establishing and implementing a
28 
nationwide and comprehensive information and communications technology (ICT)
29 
action plan that shall involve all stakeholders, including the major TELCOs, small
30 
TELCOs, internet service providers (ISPs), and developers of technology and digital
31 
applications, with the end in view of-widening and improving connectivity not only for
32 
the fight against COVID-19 but also for the long-term development needs of the
26


1 
country. The NBP shall serve to enable the widespread accessibility to and utilization
2 
of the internet for essential and significant public and private transactions, including
3 
learning and Instruction: Provided, That the NBP must be reliable and sufficiently able
4 
to support a high volume of video streaming, in compliance with the Rlipino Sign
5 
Language Act.
6 
Further, the DICT shall immediately formulate and implement an industry-wide
7 
policy for the TELCOS, both major and small, ISPs, and technology applications that
8 
aims to widen connectivity in all sectors of society, particularly the poor, the
9 
unconnected, the underserved households in poor urban communities, geographically
10 
isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), and the MSMEs: Provided, That in relation
11 
to the widening of connectivity to all sectors of society, the principle behind the NBP
12 
shall be adhered to. To achieve the goal of providing connectivity to all sectors of the
13 
economy, incentives shall be provided to new market that shall invest in unserved
14 
areas: Provided, further. That such incentives shall result in affordable prices for
15 
internet usage: Provided finaiiy, That the following key policies shall be implemented:
16 
a) Provision of incentives to TELCOs which serve the poor and underserved
17 
MSMEs nationwide via WiR technology by implementing a reduced Spectrum
18 
User Fee (SUF) for WiFi such that a fair and reasonable scheme is achieved
19 
consistent with existing rules and regulations governing the use of WiFi;
20 
b) Implement its departmental policies and initiatives for the propagation of
21 
Common Tower and the sharing of Passive Telecommunication Infrastructure
22 
in the telecommunications industry;
23 
c) Implementation of the provision for fiber optic transmission rental from the
24 
National Grid Corporation to new telecommunications industry players to
25 
accelerate development therein;
26 
d) Implementation of the spectrum sharing arrangement among and between
27 
TELCOs, at intra-industry fee agreements regulated by NTC, to fully and
28 
optimally utilize the usage of licensed frequencies that are presentiy assigned
29 
to existing major TELCOs;
30 
e) Full use of the Internet Bandwidth supply made available by the Luzon
31 
Bypass infrastructure to provide connectivity to all government offices and to
32 
the unserved and underserved areas of the country. For this purpose, the DICT
27


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10
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12
13
14
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16
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20 
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27
28
29
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31
32
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.
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;
Assist public sector offices and agencies in the upgrading of their existing 
internet and other ICT infrastructure;
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
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
II.
III.
IV.
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1 
digital/phone-based application which is downloadable by the public for case
2 
monitoring, mapping, and contact-tracing that shall be integrated with global
3 
positioning system (GPS) activated by real-time technologies to monitor and track
4 
individuals, alert the user of location-based risks and provide the user with updated
5 
and constant reminders and information for their health and safety. Any technology
6 
created for case monitoring, mapping and contact tracing shall be consistent with the
7 
Data Privacy Act. The DICT shall leverage the existing systems used for case
8 
monitoring, mapping and contact tracing. All systems, initiated by the public or private
9 
sector, shall be interconnected to each other and shall be subject to the policies and
10 
standards issued by the DICT.
11 
The DICT shall take the lead in the establishment of e-government systems
12 
and shall fast track its plans to build the necessary infrastructure to promote and
13 
facilitate digitization of the government and interoperability of government services
14 
and systems, especially those located in the provinces and rural areas. Under this
15 
Act, government offices and agencies shall develop, introduce, and implement
16 
solutions and systems to effectively facilitate government transactions through
17 
various online channels or contact-less mechanisms. This includes the uploading of
18 
pertinent government forms and their completion and/or submission thru websites or
19 
online portals in order to minimize the need for face-to-face transactions or physical
20 
travels or visits to government offices. Government agencies shall utilize creative
21 
adaptive technology that allows full access of PWDs to government services and are
22 
compliant with relevant existing laws and practices. This includes the establishment
23 
of a system of standards for Filipino sign language interpreting.
24 
C. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
25 
The DTI in coordination with the DICT shall establish a digital application for
26 
MSMEs to further enhance the conduct of e-commerce activities. The following
27 
measures shall be undertaken to assist MSMEs:
28 
a) Regulatory bodies and other concerned government agencies and
29 
instrumentalities shall allow the immediate use of online platforms for
30 
application, processing, approval and release of loans;
31 
b) The use of video or teleconferencing, emails, and other online platforms shall
32 
be allowed and shall be considered as compliance with government rules and
29


1 
regulations, and the requirements of meetings such as service of meeting
2 
notices, quorum and attendance requirements, and the registration of votes,
3 
on matters before the body conducting the meeting.
4 
c) The DTI shall provide special support programs that will assist MSMEs and
5 
startups in achieving business recovery and resiliency including the following:
6 
i. Capacity-building in digital skills;
7 
ii. Support for digitalizing operations;
8 
iii. Knowledge transfer and information-sharing with MSMEs; and
9 
iv. Startup and MSMEs innovation aid.
10 
The DTI, in coordination with the DICT and the DOH, shall also promote the
11 
shifting, prioritization, or increase in government support or funding for the
12 
manufacturing sector, including MSMEs engaged in the production of healthcare,
13 
hygiene, and safety related goods, and the establishment of real-time online
14 
information exchange between private hospitals and medical facilities in the supply,
15 
demand, and procurement of the same: Provided, That concerned government
16 
agencies shall promote and integrate circular economy strategies in the procurement
17 
of materials or the development of mechanisms for hygiene and sanitation in the
18 
implementation of this Act.
19 
The provision of government support could come in the form of: (1) integrated
20 
and uninterrupted supply chain networks; (2) reiiable online market platforms; (3)
21 
stable universal broadband; (4) digital IDs or digital signature infrastructure; and (5)
22 
secured mobile payment channels, among others.
23 
The DTT, NEDA, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO),
24 
cultural government agencies such as the NCCA and the FDCP, in partnership with the
25 
private sector, shall formulate and implement a strategic marketing communications
26 
plan that will renew public interest in and restore confidence in industries classified as
27 
non-essential but heavily affected due to the implementation of quarantine and other
28 
health measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
29 
D. Department of Health (DOH)
30 
The DOH shall institutionalize and regulate telemedicine and e-prescription
31 
activities. In accordance with relevant rules and regulations. It shall likewise explore
30


1 
technological innovations for certain health services that might be compromised in the
2 
new normal setting. It shall promote and support local research on COVID-19 testing
3 
and treatment, and the development, manufacture and distribution of a vaccine.
4 
To improve on public sanitation, the DOH shall execute all plans geared at
5 
achieving zero open defecation and require all LGUs to report on their achievements
6 
of this goal.
7 
F. Department of Public Works and Highways
8 
The DPWH shall take full responsibility for the implementation of the National
9 
Sewerage and Septage Management Plan, and shall provide sufficient funds for it. -All
10 
highly urbanized cities shall, in coordination with DENR, identify remaining hotspots
11 
of fecal transmission and construct the necessary waste water infrastructure using
12 
funds made available by the DPWH.
13 
G. Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
14 
The DBM shall undertake the formulation of the annual national budget in a
15 
way that ensures the appropriate prioritization and allocation of funds to support
16 
programs and projects to implement this Act for green, resilient and sustainable
17 
communities.
18 
H. Department of Finance (DOF)
19 
The DOF shall streamline and rationalize the process for accessing
20 
international green and climate finance for programs and interventions identified
21 
under this Act to accelerate the implementation of technical cooperation projects
22 
and grants supportive of the resilient and sustainable recovery objectives of this Act.
23 
SEC. 10. Gender and Social Equity. - In the implementation of this Act and
24 
its implementing rules and regulations, special care and consideration shall be given
25 
to integrating gender issues and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the
26 
following:
27 
a) Implementation of alternative work arrangements in the public and private
28 
sectors ensuring that DSWD and LGUs attend to possible heightened cases of gender-
29 
based and domestic violence during intermittent mandatory lock-downs or
30 
quarantines;
31 
b) Social protection measures to be instituted for low-income and informal
32 
female and male workers and daily wage earners that ensure restoration of
31


1 
livelihoods and such other ameliorative measures that shall compensate for temporary
2 
loss of incomes;
3 
c) Sufficient and equal support for both women and men with disabilities,
4 
cognizant that women with disabilities are most disadvantaged and excluded from
5 
access to vital pandemic-related information and assistive acts;
6 
d) Sufficient and equal provision of protective personal equipment to male and
7 
female frontline health workers and employees in both health centers and public and
8 
private firms and workplaces; and
9 
e) Public reproductive health care services and the capacity of maternal health
10 
clinics and midwives to address needs of child-bearers in terms of isolation from
11 
infected patients, lactation and re-lactation assistance, and sufficient staffing and
12 
facilities for life-saving procedures.
13 
The needs of women in the health care and medical frontline professions shall
14 
be considered in the procurement of personal protective equipment and such other
15 
assistive measures such as access to clean restrooms, reasonable work shifts and
16 
equity in wages.
17 
Any sector that may be affected adversely by measures under this Act that
18 
would lead to unemployment or industry collapse shall be assisted by the LGUs and
19 
interlocal units in alleviating their economic status.
20 
SEC. 11. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts and omissions are prohibited
21 
under this Act:
22 
a). Failure to wear a mask while in public spaces or in the workplace;
23 
b) Failure to comply with the provisions on the management of spaces required
24 
in Section 6 (B) of this Act except in subsections (1) and (3). In such cases,
25 
the subject gathering shall either be ordered ceased, with the maximum
26 
tolerance possible under existing laws, if such gathering does not comply with
27 
Section 6 (A) of this Act;
28 
c) Failure to implement and monitor the proper implementation of Management
29 
of Public Transportation provided for under Section 6(C) of this Act;
30 
d) Failure to comply with Section 6(D)(2) of this Act and other issuances,
31 
circulars, memorandum and directives of DepEd and CHED in relation to the
32 
holding of classes during COVID-19 pandemic: Provided, That no penalty or
32


1 
discrimination in whatever form shall be imposed on any student, teacher, or
2 
member of the faculty for his or her inability to attend or hold online classes or
3 
comply with the flexible learning approaches;
4 
e) Failure to submit the Management Plan within the period required in Section
5 
8(a) of this Act; and
6 
f) Failure of the employer, supervisor, manager or any person in charge to
7 
abide by the Case Management Protocols as provided for in Section 8 of this
8 
Act.
9 
SEC. 12. Penalties. - Any person, natural or juridical, who violates the
10 
provisions under Section 11 of this Act shall, upon conviction, suffer the following
11 
penalties:
12 
a) For violation of Section 11 (a) of this Act, a stern warning shall be issued
13 
for the first offense, and for succeeding offenses, a mandatory rendition of community
14 
service or performance of productive tasks, such as assisting in information campaign
15 
to combat the COVID-19 pandemic;
16 
b) Imprisonment of one (1) month and one day to two (2) months or a fine
17 
ranging from One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) to Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00),
18 
or both, at the discretion of the court for violation Section 11(b) to (g) of this Act.
19 
In case the violation is committed by a partnership, corporation, association or
20 
any juridical person, the partner, president, director or manager who consents to or
21 
knowingly tolerates such violation shall be directly liable and responsible;
22 
c) Suspension of the entity's permit to operate for any violation of Section
23 
11(e): Provided, That the place owner, administrator or manager of the entity shall
24 
be given a period of fifteen (15) days to submit the required Management Plan.*
25 
Provided further, That failure to comply within the 15-day period shall be meted a fine
26 
of Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00); and
27 
d) Imprisonment of not less than two (2) months but not more than six (6)
28 
months, or a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) but not more than
29 
One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), or both imprisonment and fine, at the
30 
discretion of the court, in case the offender is a government official or employee.
31 
SEC. 13. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to effectively carry out
32 
the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the
33


r ■ • \
1 
concerned government agencies. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the
2 
continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General
3 
Appropriations Act.
4 
SEC. 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations, - Within fifteen (15) days
5 
from the effectivity of this Act, a technical working group (TWG) shall be constituted
6 
composed of the respective heads or the duly authorized representatives of the
7 
following agencies:
8 
a) 
Department of Interior and Local Government;
9 
b) 
Department of Finance;
10 
c) 
Department of Trade and Industry;
11 
d) 
National Economic Development Authority;
12 
e) 
Department of Labor and Employment;
13 
f) 
Department of Information and Communications Technology;
14 
g) 
Department of Budget and Management;
15 
h) 
Department of Transportation;
16 
i) 
Department of Education;
17 
j) 
Department of Health;
18 
k) 
Civil Service Commission;
19 
I) 
Commission on Higher Education; and
20 
m) 
the Inter-Agency Task Force (lATF) for the Management of Emerging
21 
Infectious Diseases
22 
Within fifteen (15) days after the TWG is constituted, it shall promulgate the
23 
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
24 
SEC. 15. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - A Joint
25 
Congressional Oversight Committee composed of four (4) members of each House to
26 
be appointed by the Senate President and the House Speaker, respectively, shall
27 
exercise an oversight function over the implementation of this Act.
28 
SEC. 16. Sunset Clause, — This Act shall expire after a three-year period
29 
from the date of its effectivity, or sooner upon official declaration of the President of
30 
the Philippines issued upon recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the
31 
Management of Emerging and Infectious Diseases that the prevailing pandemic
32 
caused by the COVID-19 virus or similar infectious diseases has already been
34


■ ‘••V t*
1 
eradicated: Provided, That standards, protocols, and other measures prescribed by
2 
this Act which are not rendered useless or impractical by the eradication of COVID-
3 
19 may continue to be implemented.
4 
SEC. 17. Separability Clause. — If any part or provision of this Act shall
5 
be declared as unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof which
6 
are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
7 
SEC. 18. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, presidential
8 
decrees, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are in conflict or inconsistent
9 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
10 
SEC. 19. Effectivity— This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
11 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
35