SM Supermalls assures employees full salary amid quarantine

SM Supermalls on Thursday assured employees that they will continue to receive their full salary while quarantine measures are in place.

According to SM Supermalls senior vice president for operations Bien Mateo, only half of the company's workforce is allowed to report to their respective stations to comply with physical distancing measures.

Meanwhile, the remaining half continue to report on a work-from-home basis.

"Kahit ganyan naman 'yung ating sitwasyon ay nangako naman ang SM Supermalls na patuloy nilang matatanggap ang buo nilang mga sweldo," Mateo said in the Laging Handa public briefing.

SM Supermalls temporarily closed their establishments -- albeit essential stores remained operational -- starting March 16.

With the shift towards the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) on May 15, more businesses were then allowed to reopen, including business establishments in malls.

"Lahat apektado rito. Bukod sa SM Supermalls, 'yung aming mga over 25,000 na tenants ay heavily affected," said Mateo.

Mall operators including SM have been ordered to waive rental fees during the quarantine period, as a form of assistance to tenants hit by the restrictions.

The company has since implemented additional security measures to comply with safety standards against the coronavirus disease.—AOL, GMA News