PEZA: On-site inspection could affect investment outlook
The plan to do ocular inspections in Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) firms registered under various investment promotion agencies (IPAs) could inject an element of uncertainty among investors, said Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
In an interview with BusinessWorld, PEZA Director-General Charito Plaza said that this move creates “uncertainty (and) frustration” in the sector, mainly because the industry is still waiting for the Fiscal Incentives Review Board’s (FIRB) response to PEZA’s work-from-home (WFH) appeal.
Just last week, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) — under orders by the Department of Finance (DOF) — created a task force to ensure that IT-BPM firms comply with the government’s 100% back-to-office mandate.
They are also tasked to collect income taxes if they found companies that were violating the mandate.
Plaza stated, “What is needed and are being asked by our investors now is our government’s sensitivity, empathy, understanding, assistance, and support while they’re still struggling for survival.”
Alliance of Call Center Workers Co-Convenor Emman David added that the inspections contradict the previous pronouncements of FIRB co-chair Secretary Ramon Lopez which allowed 30% off-site work for PEZA-registered companies.
