Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11469)
The short title of Republic Act No. 11469 is the "Bayanihan to Heal As One Act."
The state of national emergency was declared due to the continuing rise of confirmed COVID-19 cases, serious threat to health, safety, security, the long-term adverse effects on livelihoods, and severe disruption of economic activities nationwide.
The President is authorized to exercise powers necessary and proper to implement the national policy, including adopting measures to prevent COVID-19 spread, providing emergency subsidies to low-income households, directing operation of private health facilities, enforcing price regulation, providing special risk allowances for health workers, imposing a grace period for loan payments, and other measures outlined under Section 4.
The emergency subsidy shall amount to a minimum of Five thousand pesos (₱5,000.00) to a maximum of Eight thousand pesos (₱8,000.00) per month for two (2) months.
Violators shall be punishable with imprisonment of two (2) months or a fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (₱10,000.00) but not more than One million pesos (₱1,000,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court.
The Committee is composed of four (4) members from each house of Congress, appointed respectively by the Senate President and the House Speaker.
Covered Institutions include all lenders such as banks, quasi-banks, non-stock savings and loan associations, credit card issuers, pawnshops, and other financial institutions under the supervision of the BSP, SEC, and Cooperative Development Authority, including GSIS, SSS, and Pag-ibig Fund.
A thirty (30)-day grace period for payment of loans with principal and/or interest falling due during the Enhanced Community Quarantine period, without incurring interest on interest, penalties, fees or other charges.
Yes, the initial 30-day grace period shall automatically be extended if the ECQ period is extended by the President under the Act.
No, covered institutions are prohibited from requiring borrowers to waive the mandatory 30-day grace period; any prior waiver covering payments during the ECQ period is invalid.
It allows the President to direct the operation of privately-owned hospitals and health facilities, quarantine centers, and other establishments for public health purposes during the emergency, with safeguards for compensation and management retained by owners.
They are entitled to a COVID-19 special risk allowance in addition to hazard pay, PhilHealth shall cover medical expenses for work-related COVID-19 exposure or injury, and compensation is provided for severe infection or death due to COVID-19 while in the line of duty.
Offenses include disobeying quarantine directives, refusing to prioritize contracts necessary for COVID-19 response, creating or spreading false information about COVID-19, impeding transportation and access to roads, and engaging in profiteering or hoarding.
Yes, these powers may be withdrawn sooner by a concurrent resolution of Congress or ended by a Presidential Proclamation.
To provide mandatory 30-day grace period on loan payments due during the ECQ period without interest on interest or penalties, to ease financial burden during the COVID-19 crisis.