THE American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) on Monday supported the Fiscal Incentives Review Board’s approval of work-from-home (WFH) arrangements in ecozones across the country.
The shift to remote work was a response to the state of national energy emergency declared on March 24 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“The policy provides much-needed operational flexibility and helps sustain confidence among US and other foreign investors across a wide range of industries,” AmCham said in a statement.
On Friday, FIRB Resolution 005-2026 authorized investment promotion agencies to allow immediate and temporary implementation of up to 90 percent WFH schedules for registered business enterprises with projects in ecozones.
“Business needs and operating models vary significantly across sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, services and knowledge-based industries. In this context, policies that enable flexibility, rather than impose one-size-fits-all mandates, are critical,” AmCham said, noting that empowering firms to determine the most appropriate work arrangements based on their operational realities supports continuity, productivity and long-term competitiveness.
Such sectors as information technology-business process management, shared services and other digitally-enabled industries may be well-positioned to maximize remote work arrangements, AmCham said, noting that a broader framework should remain inclusive and adaptable to the requirements of all registered business enterprises.
It also urged continued policy clarity and consistency, including early guidance on the duration of the arrangement, as well as transitions.
“We remain ready to work closely with the government in refining these measures and advancing longer-term solutions to strengthen the country’s energy resilience and overall investment environment,” AmCham said.
Established in 1902 and incorporated in 1920, AmCham is a private, independent, nonprofit association affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce of the United States and the AmChams of Asia Pacific.
It serves as a platform for collaboration among business leaders in the Philippines to achieve shared goals and objectives.
