Dear Clients, Colleagues and Friends,

Together, we find ourselves in a truly extraordinary and unprecedented situation affecting not only our families, friends and way of living, but also our businesses and our communities. In light of this, it is our hope that you and your family remain well, safe and healthy.

Since the imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine (“ECQ”) in the National Capital Region last 17 March 2020, the further imposition of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (“MECQ”) last 12 May 2020 and the recent transition into a General Community Quarantine (“GCQ”), Vasig | Abarquez | Lumauig | Abarquez | Puno (“VAL Law”) maintained continued service to all its clients. As the world navigates the uncertainty of this pandemic, we are here to provide you with our expertise in continued support of you, your family and your business.

As such, we take this opportunity to reach out and update you on how we, at VAL Law, are approaching the situation:

1.) VAL Law is implementing a phased return to office that ensures the safety and health of our clients, lawyers and staff. Office will reopen with shortened hours, from 8 AM to 4 PM, until further notice. Transactions within the office will be limited to necessary official matters. Visitors will not be allowed for the meantime.

2.) Our lawyers, having full access to necessary legal resources, shall preferably remain safely working from home, unless an urgent matter requires otherwise. In this regard, VAL Law is fully equipped with the infrastructure required to guarantee business continuity. In addition to the usual means of communications (such as mobile phones and e-mail), we also highly encourage our clients to work with us through audio or video conferencing on various digital channels and applications, which we will be happy to host for you. We have implemented measures to assure seamless online collaboration to keep our remote lawyers connected and sustain our usual high levels of performance, availability and security.

3.) VAL Law has conducted cleaning and disinfection of the entire workplace prior to reopening. All lawyers and staff are provided with face masks, face shields and alcohol for added protection.

4.) We will require those who will be reporting for work to strictly abide by VAL Law’s COVID-19 Office Guidelines:

• Those who will be reporting for work shall be required to answer a questionnaire / daily health symptom form before reporting for work each day.
• Daily continuous cleaning and disinfection of the entire workplace.
• Everyone shall undergo non-contact temperature check.
• We are providing everyone with face masks and face shields.  Alcohol dispensers will also be available in strategic locations inside the office for everyone’s use.
• Everyone is required to wear face masks and face shields while inside the office. Physical distancing will be mandatory at all times within the office.
• Dress code in the office during the entire quarantine period will be relaxed.
• Face to face discussions will not be allowed.  If discussions are required, this must be done by teleconferencing or video conferencing, until further notice.
• We have designated a safety officer, who will monitor the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control measures in the Firm.
• The Firm shall be operating on reduced workforce.

We have likewise maintained our channels with various sectors and government agencies and have been keeping our clients well-informed on legal and practical perspectives to consider under the current situation.

For any specific legal needs or issues to address and/or if you are aware of other opportunities to be considered, VAL Law lawyers and staff remains fully accessible through all usual channels and are here to be of legal assistance to you.

We are optimistic that, especially working together, the nation will overcome these trying times.

Thank you.