THE Clark Development Corp. (CDC) on Saturday accepted a resolution allowing work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for ecozone businesses, and onsite working hours for tourism establishments, as approved by the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB).
The FIRB is an interagency government body mandated to oversee, approve, and monitor tax incentives granted by investment promotion agencies (IPAs) such as CDC, which is the operational arm of the Bases Conversion Development Authority.
“CDC acknowledges the FIRB resolution as the most logical step to sustain operations while retaining incentives, and for tourism establishments to continue to thrive through onsite engagement, striking the right balance across Clark’s diverse industries,” CDC president and CEO Agnes Devanadera said in a statement.
On Friday, the FIRB ordered the immediate and temporary implementation of WFH arrangements for ecozone businesses following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s declaration of a national energy emergency amid the global fallout from the Iran war.
Under FIRB Resolution 005-2026, IPAs may allow up to 90 percent WFH schedules for registered business enterprises (RBEs) with projects or activities.
The measure provides immediate flexibility for industries such as information technology-business process outsourcing (IT‑BPOs) and service enterprises to sustain operations while retaining their incentives during the national energy emergency.
CDC likewise recognized the distinct realities of tourism‑related establishments in Clark such as hotels, resorts, and event venues which depend on onsite presence and visitor engagement.
It will coordinate with its stakeholders to ensure compliance with FIRB conditions and to safeguard investor confidence and government revenues.
Non-compliance with IPA-imposed thresholds will result in penalties, including payment of regular income tax based on the extent of excess WFH usage, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.
RBEs must notify IPAs, submit asset inventories and surety bonds, and provide monthly reports on assets taken outside economic zones. Movement of tax- and duty-free assets will require prior approval and bonding, the DOF noted.
IPAs may impose additional compliance measures and must report these to the FIRB for monitoring. RBEs must maintain export revenue levels and keep current employment levels regardless of WFH arrangements.
The temporary policy will remain in force for one year unless extended or lifted under Executive Order 110, s. 2026, which declared the national energy emergency.
The CDC, established in 1993, manages the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) and Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ).
The two zones, which are adjacent properties in Pampanga and Tarlac, are among the country‘s fastest growing investment destinations.
Chynna Grace Ong
