THE IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (Ibpap) has criticized the Department of Labor and Employment Central Visayas (Dole 7) for “irresponsibly” and “prematurely” naming several IT-BPM companies that were subject to work stoppage orders following the Cebu 6.9 magnitude earthquake.
Calling Dole 7’s statement as “irresponsible” and “damaging” to the industry’s reputation, the Ibpap said the declaration, made during a Senate committee on labor and employment hearing, lacked impartial investigation or verification.
The group warned that identifying companies without proper validation “creates confusion among employees and alarm among global clients,” potentially undermining investor confidence and the country’s position as a top outsourcing destination.
“Such actions run contrary to fairness and good faith expected of a government agency. The reckless naming of companies damages reputations and threatens business continuity,” the Ibpap said.
According to the Ibpap, four of the six firms mentioned during the Senate hearing are its members, and none confirmed allegations that workers were prevented from leaving offices or forced to resume work without safety clearance.
The group said these claims, originally raised by the BPO Industry Employees Network (Bien), were not substantiated and unfairly portrayed IT-BPM firms as labor law violators.
The association also questioned Dole 7’s inspection of one company hours after the Senate hearing, which was reportedly attended by a Bien representative, citing possible bias.
The Ibpap urged Dole 7 to issue a clarificatory statement, rectify its report, and remove unverified company names. It said the issue could have “serious international repercussions” on investor trust, job creation, and countryside expansion.
“The Philippine IT-BPM industry employs 1.9 million Filipinos and contributes nearly US$40 billion annually,” the Ibpap said.
“Irresponsible declarations risk driving business to competitor countries and threaten livelihoods.”
Senate hearing
During the Senate’s labor committee hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, Dole7 Regional Director Roy Buenafe told Sen. Raffy Tulfo that at least three BPO firms had been issued work stoppage orders since the earthquake last Sept. 30.
As Buenafe recalled the incident, a collection of conversations between BPO employers and their employers was presented. The slide presentation stated “Business is Business.”
Initially, at least six BPOs were identified by the Dole 7 as subjects of complaints from workers. On Monday, the number rose to 23 firms that are under investigation.
Majority of the firms reportedly lack the occupational and safety hazard (OSH) program, based on results of Dole 7’s initial inspections.
One company was found to have defective emergency lights that do not light up. This, according to Dole 7, could have caused confusion among employees during times of power outages.
Reports also claimed in one incident, the emergency exit was blocked to bar workers from leaving the building, forcing them to return to their work stations.
Tulfo urged the Dole 7 to ensure that BPO firms will be held accountable for alleged OSH violations.
“I want it (cases) filed, ‘wag lang yung satsat tayo rito (not just all talk here),” said Tulfo. / KOC, EHP