Philippines’ IBPAP pushes for BPO reforms
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) supports proposed amendments to the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law, also known as the CREATE MORE bill.
IBPAP believes the reforms will help the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry achieve its 2024 targets of $39 billion in revenue and 1.84 million full-time employees, representing 7-8% growth.
The CREATE law provides tax breaks and incentives to registered enterprises in the Philippines. The proposed CREATE MORE bill — approved by the House Ways and Means Committee on Nov. 21 — would enhance these incentives and provide additional policy clarity on remote work arrangements, which many BPO companies have adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a text sent to BusinessWorld, IBPAP Chief Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer Celeste Ilagan added, “We support House Bill No. 8968 (CREATE MORE) as this would support the projected growth of the industry.”
Ilagan also wants clarification on remote work arrangements under the bill, noting many BPO firms have adopted flexible policies during the pandemic.
IBPAP also urged the Philippine Congress to approve the proposed Open Access in Data Transmission Act, amendments to the Cybercrime law, and the Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Act.
“To enhance the country’s IT-BPM investment attractiveness, we also need to prioritize digital connectivity and cybersecurity,” Ilagan stated.
