Opposition senator supports continued work-from-home setup for outsourcing workers  

REELECTED opposition Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros-Baraquel has expressed support to the call of outsourcing workers to continue the work-from-home (WFH) option amid rising cost of living, including transportation rates.   

“I agree with the wishes of BPO (business process outsourcing) workers,” Ms. Hontiveros said in a statement in a mix of English in Filipino. 

She said their demands, “borne out by existing realities in the world of work,” are reasonable.   

“The workers have been productive in their WFH setup. They really optimized that being online is a big part of their work. It’s a big help to their day-to-day budget if they continue this work-from-home setup,” she added.  

The senator said the government must find a definitive compromise with the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) sector over tax perks and generating economic activities.   

A solid common ground, she said, would provide assurance to investors and international clients.  

“Let’s not forget that the IT-BPM sector has been the only consistent generator of jobs in the past two and a half years of the pandemic,” she said. “If we take care of the workers, the sector is set to continue attracting talent and growing.” 

The government is currently allowing a 30% hybrid setup until Sept. 12, the last day of the state of emergency relating to the coronavirus pandemic declared by outgoing President Rodrigo R. Duterte.     

“May our economic team listen to the workers. Our workers have said their piece. The ball is now in the next administration’s court,” Ms. Hontiveros said. 

“It’s high time we start working under a better normal, and not just a new normal,” she added. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan