Following the decision of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to conduct a deeper probe into whether business process outsourcing (BPO) firms violated laws and rules on work suspension during the height of Typhoons Tino and Uwan, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) maintained that its member companies operate within the bounds of existing government regulations during typhoons or other natural calamities.

The BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN Philippines) earlier revealed that it had received reports that some BPO workers were either “forced to report on-site amid widespread flooding, high-risk travel conditions, and power interruptions,” while those who did not report for work were issued “notices to explain” during the onslaught of the two killer storms.

The group said the concerned BPO companies are operating in Manila as well as in other parts of the country.

On Wednesday, the IBPAP, an umbrella organization of BPO companies, stressed that during the recent weather disturbances, companies implemented their respective business continuity plans to ensure employee safety while maintaining essential client operations.

The organization further noted that the Memorandum Circular from the Office of the President on the suspension of government work and classes clearly stated that private sector work suspension would be left to the discretion of employers.

“Guided by this directive, IBPAP member companies continued operations as their global clients expected of them, doing much more than ‘business as usual’ for their employees. Management discretion always placed primacy on the health and safety of their employees and went beyond standard company processes and practices under normal conditions,” the IBPAP statement read.

On-site reporting connotes perks

The IBPAP underlined that, in terms of internal risk assessments and business imperatives, employers ensured that employees who opted to work on-site were provided additional benefits and conveniences while in the office premises.

In cases of foreseen work disturbances due to typhoons or extreme weather, the IBPAP noted that employers offered flexibility to work on-site or remotely, depending on employees’ preferences and as conditions permitted.

“IBPAP has long championed work flexibility and telecommuting, having lobbied for these measures since 2021 and continuing to promote hybrid work arrangements as a sustainable model for both productivity and employee welfare. This advocacy, reinforced in our ongoing engagements with the DoLE, including a recent meeting with Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and IT-BPM industry leaders, reflects our shared commitment to protect workers while sustaining the country’s global competitiveness,” the group further explained.

The IT-BPM industry supports mission-critical operations for global clients across healthcare, telecommunications, banking, and other essential sectors. The ability to sustain operations even during emergencies, IBPAP said, is part of the industry’s responsibility to both employees and clients, ensuring continuity of livelihoods and services that millions around the world depend on.

“IBPAP reiterates that worker welfare remains at the heart of this industry. Our members are guided by the principle that safety and compliance must go hand in hand with operational resilience, and they welcome the inspection of DoLE and recognized regulatory authorities to showcase established compliance measures, including guidelines and internal communications to ensure employee safety under all circumstances,” the group said.

The IBPAP further vowed to continue working closely with the DoLE and other government partners to ensure clear, fair, and fact-based communication that strengthens both employee protection and investor confidence.

The Philippine IT-BPM industry is projected to be worth $33.1 billion this year, marking a 5 percent growth compared to 2024.