The applicant will definitely have to apply for TRV and be refused to have a chance with this.
BUT: I am not sure that the requirement is such that the sponsor must move and attempt to establish common law. I believe there are cases but I do not know.
@adrienne8 you really must read through other threads about conjugal sponsorship to clarify, look for ones with the Philippines divorce/annulment issues. Highly recommend you do research first and look into a TRV. Obviously if you are given a TRV, you can come to Canada and attempt to establish common law. If not, you may have a case for conjugal (I am not an expert on the details).
With the covid travel restrictions you could only get a visa/travel authorisation on the extended family / exclusive relationship for one year or more. If you have not physically met, you are not eligible for this covid travel exemption at all.
Conjugal is not an easy path so you should look into the annulment path as well, even if long and difficult. (That may be required under the conjugal - that is to at least apply for annulment - but I do not know).