New workplace rules are confusing, needless govt overreach

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday approved the proposal of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to impose stricter anti-Covid-19 rules on workplaces in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). While we appreciate the intent to encourage workplace safety, the new rules are a confusing, unnecessary manifestation of government intrusiveness, obviously written in great haste and leaving many unanswered questions as to their applicability and enforcement.

The new rules, which were characterized as supplemental provisions to the DTI and the Department of Labor and Employment Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of Covid-19 issued last April, are as follows: