Isko asks lessors to waive rental fees during quarantine period

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno appealed on Tuesday to all lessors of commercial establishments in the city that were ordered closed during the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in the entire Luzon to waive corresponding rental fees of their tenants.

“In view of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), the outbreak of which has resulted to national emergency, the City Government of Manila hereby appeals and humbly requests all lessors of commercial establishments in the City of Manila that were closed during the one-month period of general community quarantine to waive the corresponding rental fees and charges,” Moreno said in his letter of appeal.

The appeal is tagged as “urgent” based on the document.

“This appeal is being made with the utmost intention of cushioning the socio-economic impact of the present crisis in the City of Manila,” said the mayor.

In a memorandum released to the media on Monday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also said lessors and business spaces should waive the corresponding rental fees and charges to stores that were closed during the quarantine period.

The enhanced community quarantine in the entire island of Luzon took effect on midnight of Tuesday, March 17, and will end on April 12, in a bid to curb the coronavirus disease pandemic.

EDV