AmCham Welcomes FIRB Move to Expand WFH for Ecozone Firms Amid Energy Emergency
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) commends the government, through the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB), for allowing expanded work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for registered business enterprises (RBEs) in ecozone firms in response to the ongoing energy emergency. The policy provides much-needed operational flexibility and helps sustain confidence among U.S. and other foreign investors across a wide range of industries.
AmCham recognizes that 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. Empowering firms to determine the most appropriate work arrangements based on their operational realities supports continuity, productivity, and long-term competitiveness.
The decision allows companies to adjust to current conditions without disrupting existing investment arrangements, reinforcing a stable and predictable business environment. At the same time, incentive-based approaches—particularly those that reward compliance, innovation, and investment—offer a constructive path forward that aligns policy objectives with business needs.
While certain sectors, such as information technology-business process management (IT-BPM), shared services, and other digitally enabled industries, may be especially well-positioned to maximize remote work arrangements, the broader framework should remain inclusive and adaptable to the requirements of all RBEs.
Moving forward, AmCham looks to continued policy clarity and consistency, including early guidance on the duration of these measures and any transition arrangements. Ongoing dialogue between government and the private sector will be essential to ensure effective, transparent, and predictable implementation.
AmCham supports policies that protect investments, preserve jobs, and sustain the Philippines’ competitiveness. 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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
JOSEPHINE GRACE MIRAFUENTES
Advocacy Partnerships and Communications Manager
0975 374 3440