The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has extended until April 8 the deadline for submission of requests from its registered business enterprises (RBEs) to be allowed to implement 70-30, onsite-work from home (WFH), hybrid work arrangement.
The deadline for the submission of request expired last March 31. So far, only 30 percent of its RBEs have applied for the 70-30 work arrangement. Approved RBEs will be issued Letters of Authority to implement the hybrid work arrangement.
PEZA Director-General Charito B. Plaza said that all RBEs, not just IT-BPO locators, have to apply individually with PEZA.
Plaza, however, said that the 70-30 work ratio only applies to export-oriented enterprises.
Aside from extending the deadline, Plaza also said they are reverting to its original Board approval to extend the WFH arrangement up to September this year when the State of Health Calamity declaration by President Duterte expires.
Initially, PEZA was asking for the 70-30 ratio to be implemented until June 30 this year. “But that’s just a day for the new administration to assume, appointing their staffs, cleaning up so we’ll be left hanging again.”
“At least at anytime from July 1 to September, the next administration can perhaps address that already, giving them ample time to act on what’s appropriate for the locators and workers.”
In January this year, the PEZA board approved the extension of WFH until September but this was denied by the Fiscal and Incentives Review Board because the economy has already reopened and companies are now allowed at full operating capacity.
In pursuing its own hybrid work policy for its RBEs, Plaza reiterated that the 70-30 ratio is allowed under the law. Export-oriented enterprises are allowed to sell 30 percent to the domestic market and 70 percent export. This same provision is also being applied to IT-BPOs, which are service exporters.
“It BPO are export service oriented hence, observe also the 70-30 as they can outsource their services from the domestic market,” she added.
PEZA has also been implementing the 70-30 ratio in 2018 yet under the Telecommuting Act.
Plaza further appealed to the government not to be rigid with rules because the country is not yet off from the effects of the pandemic and is also facing the effects of the Ukraine war.
“We have to be sensitive and must do a balancing act, not to be very strict and abrupt in our decisions,” said Plaza.