By MB Online An official of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reminded the public that pawnshops cannot repossess unpaid items during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). MB file photo. Pia Roman-Tayag of the BSP Center for Learning and Inclusion Advocacy, in an interview over GMA-7’s Dobol B sa News TV on June 1, Monday, said that transactions done within the ECQ period are covered by the “Bayanihan to Heal as One” Act. Under the said law, borrowers or those who pawned items are given a grace period to pay back the money they owe. Essentially, according to Roman-Tayag, “covered din po ang pawnshops, so kung ‘yung schedule po ay dapat nang magbayad at puamatak po nung ECQ, hindi po pwedeng maremata ‘yung pawned item kasi nga may grace period.” (Translations: The law covers transactions with pawnshops, so if the schedule for payment falls at a date under the ECQ period, the item pawned cannot be repossessed because there is a grace period.] Since practically everyone has been under home quarantine, and private companies and government offices have been closed, payment of bills including rent had been afforded grace periods. Under the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the “Bayanihan to Heal As One” Act, all loan payments due during the ECQ period are given a 30-day grace period.