Call centers covered by work suspension order—Palace

MANILA, Philippines—The business process outsourcing (BPO) sector is covered by the work suspension order issued by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. early Tuesday, Malacañang said.

But for the private companies, including call centers, that will require their employees to report for work, Ochoa told them to ensure personnel safety and give premium pay.

The order, contained in a memorandum circular, covered work in all offices in the private sector in Metro Manila and the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal.

Ochoa said the work suspension order was upon the recommendation of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, citing the continuing inclement weather brought about by southwest monsoon.