By Genalyn Kabiling Small businesses will not be required to settle immediately their commercial rents during the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon based on a new government order. The government has authorized a 30-day grace period in the payment of commercial rents of micro, small and medium enterprises covered by the Luzon-wide quarantine. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN) According to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, the rent relief for certain sectors is part of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11469 or the "Bayanihan to Heal as One Act" that gives President Duterte more powers to effectively address the coronavirus emergency. "Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 11469 providing for a minimum of thirty (30)-day grace period on residential rents, a thirty (30)-day grace period is likewise hereby extended to commercial rents falling due upon micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the period of the ECQ, without incurring interests, penalties, fees, and other charges," Nograles said in a virtual press conference on Thursday. Nograles said the Department of Trade and Industry has been directed to issue the necessary guidelines to implement this directive. "Ito po ay magandang balita para sa mga maliliit na negosyo. Tulad ng residential units, may 30-day grace period na rin po sa pagbayad ng upa sa commercial spaces na ginagamit ng malilit na negosyo o MSMEs (This is good news for small businesses. Like residential units, there will be a 30-day grace period for the rent payment of commercial space used by small enterprises or MSMEs)," he said. To stem the spread of the coronavirus, Luzon remains in enhanced community quarantine that compelled residents to observe to stay at home, suspended public transport, and encouraged alternative work arrangements, among others. The quarantine will stay until April 12 unless the government decides to lift, extend or expand it to other areas. The Bayanihan law has empowered the President to move statutory deadlines for the filing and submission of document, payment of taxes, fees and other charges to ease the burden of people under community quarantine. The President also has the authority direct all public and private banks and similar financing institutions to implement a minimum of 30-day grace period for the payment of loans, credit card payments without interests and penalties. Another power granted to the President is to provide a 30-day grace period on residential rents falling due within the quarantine period without interests and penalties. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7t2c7s