DTI and DOLE Amend Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19
On 29 November 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry (“DTI”) and the Department of Labor and Employment (“DOLE”) issued Advisory No. 20-03 Series of 2020 which amended the DTI-DOLE Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2020-04-A. The amendments include the following:
- Shuttle services for employees of establishments with total assets of Php100,000,000 located at special economic zones and other areas under the Investment Promotions Agency may adopt the following: (i) “one seat apart” arrangement; or (ii) full seating capacity with the necessary dividers in place.
- Information on contact tracing form shall be limited to the name and contact number of customers, clients, examinees, and visitors.
Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 Drugs and Vaccines
On 1 December 2020, President Rodrigo R. Duterte issued Executive Order No. 121 which authorizes the Director-General of the Food and Drugs Administration to issue an Emergency Use Authorization (“EUA”) for COVID-19 drugs and vaccines. The EUA is meant to strengthen the Philippine’s response against COVID-19, similar to other countries and the World Health Organization which have recognized the practice of issuing EUAs in order to fast-track the availability of COVID-19 drugs and vaccines when supported by strong evidence that patients have benefited from them.