The country’s top information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) group stated that it is aligned with the government in upholding the integrity of the sector following the naming of companies allegedly violating workers’ rights in the aftermath of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu.

In a statement on Monday, Oct. 13, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) said it held a “positive and constructive” dialogue with IT-BPM firms in Cebu on Oct. 10, as organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“The meeting…affirmed one clear truth: our industry and government are united in safeguarding the welfare of Filipino workers and the integrity of the IT-BPM sector,” said IBPAP in a statement.

On Oct. 9, IBPAP called out the DOLE’s Region VII office for its “premature” naming of companies involved in the issue without investigation or validation.

DOLE Region VII, through its regional director, Roy Buenafe, reported to the Senate the names of six companies that allegedly endangered their employees during the recent earthquake.

The six firms were slapped with work stoppage orders from DOLE. Of which, four are members of IBPAP.

The IBPAP described the disclosure as a “reckless” move, warning that it could erode foreign investors’ confidence in the country’s regulatory practices.

Without disclosing details, the industry group said DOLE clarified during the dialogue the circumstances surrounding the disclosure of the company names.

The IBPAP said this was an essential step “in restoring confidence and protecting the reputations of responsible employers.”

It also clarified that the supposedly irregular inspections conducted were “unrelated to the quake and have already been addressed in compliance with DOLE’s observations.”

The IBPAP underscored that every IT-BPM firm must uphold the highest standards in its operations, noting that worker welfare and business continuity must never be compromised.

Through its renewed collaboration with DOLE, the group emphasized that the safety, welfare, and livelihoods should never be put at risk by misinformation.

“Our workforce deserves nothing less than certainty, fairness, and respect,” the group stressed.

The IBPAP said it is committed to continuing to work with the government and its members to strengthen safety standards, safeguard jobs, and reinforce the Philippines’ position as a trusted global hub for IT-BPM.

The Philippines is home to nearly 1.9 million IT-BPM employees, with the sector generating approximately $40 billion in annual revenues.