Ex-VP Binay says ‘hybrid work’ is ‘new normal’; hits ‘coercive’ order on BPO firms

Senatorial bet and former Vice President Jejomar Binay poses for selfies during a recent market visit. Contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines — Former Vice President and senatorial candidate Jejomar Binay on Wednesday described as “outdated” the government’s position that a return to physical office work for the Business Process Outsourcing Industry (BPO) is part of the new normal.

“It’s time for the government to reconsider the concept that physical presence means greater productivity,” Binay said.

“What the pandemic has shown is that employees can just be as productive working from home,” he added.

The former vice president said what can be considered as the “new normal” is “hybrid work” arrangements.

“It will be in the best interest not only of the industry but of the economy if our economic managers heed the position taken by the industry and its workers,” he said.

Binay, who is running for senator under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), also described as “too coercive” the possible removal of incentives for BPO firms who will not comply with the return-to-physical work order.

“Threatening BPO companies with a possible rescinding of incentives for non-compliance is too coercive. This sends the wrong signal to potential investors,” he added.

Binay also said the government should see the work-from-home setup as an opportunity to create new jobs.

He said work-from-home has opened job opportunities for sectors unable to physically report for work but can be productive from home.

“We now see greater work opportunities for stay-at-home parents, senior citizens, and Persons With Disabilities, particularly those with mobility problems,” he said.

“Working from home is a leveler in terms of job opportunities,” he added.

Earlier, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) had proposed a hybrid work arrangement for their workers. Under this setup, workers can work from both their homes or in their offices.

The industry’s position is being supported by the Philippine Export Zone Authority or PEZA.

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