NEDA supports back-to-office mandate
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is backing the Fiscal Incentives Review Board’s (FIRB) decision to uphold the March deadline of remote working arrangements in the Information Technology-Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry.
In a virtual briefing, NEDA Secretary Karl Chua said that “while I understand their concern, the rest of the economy has already shifted to working back in the office.”
He added that the tax incentives of BPO firms are tied with establishing a presence in economic zones and not all of their employees’ residences are situated in such places.
Still, Chua acknowledged the contribution of BPOs to the economy during the pandemic, adding that he is confident that they will perform and contribute much to the new normal of on-site work.
However, Colliers International Philippines Assistant Manager of Office Services – Tenant Representation Miguel Bengzon said that the competitiveness of the local IT-BPM sector is at risk compared to other markets that allow a WFH model.
Bengzon added that some companies are worried about losing their talents due to the removal of remote working arrangements.
