Incoming trade chief open to hybrid work guidelines
The incoming Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual is open to the creation of hybrid work guidelines for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms registered under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
In an interview, Pascual said that guidelines could be implemented to continue the current 70:30 hybrid work model of PEZA-registered outsourcing agencies.
However, Pascual was firm against the regulation of this work arrangement as he believes that the company should decide what works best for their operations.
“I think they [the companies] will pick the best decision because their decisions will be anchored on the viability of their business. So it’s something that I don’t think we can regulate. And we should not,” he stated.
Pascual also reiterated that the government wants employees to return to their offices to stimulate consumption and help revive the economy.
“Because if you keep them at home, what will happen to the restaurants that have been set up around offices, then what about the transport companies, there will be no riders…,” he pointed out.
As of now, PEZA has been issuing Letters of Authority (LOAs) to their member companies so that the can continue a remote or hybrid work arrangement till September 12, 2022.