MANILA – The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will be closed, while hotels, resorts and similar establishments will have “limited” operations during the Luzon-wide “enhanced” community quarantine.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said hotels will no longer be allowed to operate except for some exceptions.
“Hotels will only be allowed to accommodate foreigners with existing booking accommodations as of March 17, guests with existing long-term leases, and employees who are exempted from the quarantine,” Nograles said.
“However, hotels will be prohibited from accepting new booking accommodations. Hotel operations shall be limited to the provision of basic lodging to guests,” he added.
Nograles reiterated that POGO firms will be closed during the duration of the Luzon-wide declaration that aimed to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III, meanwhile, said that employees cannot be forced to report for work during the month-long implementation of the “enhanced” community quarantine in Luzon.
“They do not have to report if they don’t want to report. Or since they are under enhanced community quarantine, then they can really not report and they will be excused. There will be no basis for them to be disciplined,” Bello explained.
The labor chief added that work is also suspended in Luzon unless the workers are in charge of health and other essential services. Employees could use their leave credits for their absences.
The Philippines is currently under state of calamity with Luzon under enhanced community quarantine, which means that “strict home quarantine shall be implemented in all households; transportation shall be suspended; provision for food and essential health services shall be regulated, and heightened presence of uniformed personnel to enforce quarantine procedures will be implemented.”/PN
