Cebu City Allows BPOs to Operate During Curfew Hours

Mayor Edgardo Labella on Tuesday allowed business process outsourcing (BPO) firms here to continue operating even during curfew hours despite the general community quarantine.

Labella issued executive order (EO) no. 062 directing BPOs and export-oriented industries “to fully implement business contingency measures during the state of general community quarantine”.

However, the BPOs are ordered to maintain strict social distancing measures in order to protect their employees from being afflicted with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

BPOs and industries engaged in export business are directed to submit and implement business contingency measures that will outline the respective company’s precautionary and safety nets to prevent spread of the coronavirus within their facilities.

The companies were given until March 29, 2020 to submit such contingency plans.

“A contingency measure may include temporary accommodation and transportation of its employees within two-kilometer radius from the workplace, ensure that the employees who work within the premises are provided with basic supplies in their respective pantries,” Labella said in his EO.

To ensure unhampered operation, concessionaires, security and building maintenance will be given quarantine passes, the EO said.

The EO also provides flexible work arrangements which are not only limited to work-from-home scheme, forced leave, and temporary suspension of business.

It said the management is also obliged to report the health condition of their employees, especially those who are suffering from influenza-like illnesses, to the Department of Health (DOH).

Labella also issued EO 063 that temporarily waives parking fees for medical and health workers within the city-owned parking facilities.

Meanwhile, Labella warned village officials who are reportedly selling quarantine passes to their constituents.

“Yes, we received reports dunay (there are) barangays (that) are selling quarantine pass pero i-verify pa ni (but we will verify this). Just to preempt we are warning them (that) in Cebu city we don’t allow it,” he said. (PNA)