By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN Philippines) on Saturday (July 26) held the State of the BPO Workers Address (SOBWA 2025) as part of its preparations for the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.SOBWA 2025 highlighted the BPO Workers’ demand for a PHP36,000 national entry-level salary, the urgent passage of a PHP1,200 nationwide living wage, and the widespread outrage over the government’s poor response to successive typhoons affecting millions of workers across the country..
Thousands of BPO workers nationwide have also signed a notice to explain petition demanding urgent protection during disasters.
Titled “Protect BPO Workers During Disasters: Declare Imminent Danger Now!”, the petition is addressed to President Marcos, Jr. and Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma.
Despite hazardous conditions caused by heavy rains and flooding, many BPO companies still force employees to report to work, endangering lives.
In an open forum at Apuyan Bar, Ian Porquia, founder of BIEN, said that BIEN was founded in 2012 to be a labor center.
Porquia noted that most of the labor problems in the call center are just being ignored by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
He added that the Kabataan Partylist is supporting the refiling of the Magna Carta for BPO Workers in the 20th Congress.
He stressed that PBBM in his 2022 SONA had announced that the Magna Carta for BPO Workers will be prioritized.
Renso Bajala, BIEN secretary general, said that the gathering is in preparation for the 4th SONA of PBBM on Monday (July 28).
It is interesting to note that the BPO industry is a US$38 Billion industry, which is 8.2% of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
There are 1.82 million BPO workers nationwide, comprising 73% of the services exports.
However, they are overworked, underpaid and overbiled.
The new PHP50 wage hike in the National Capital Region (NCR) excludes BPO workers.
Below PHP30K entry level, considering the PHP1,200 family living wage in the NCR for five family members.
“AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools are replacing transactional work, which is not yet perfect,” Bajala said .
Thousands “floated” or retrenchhed.
Monitoring, deskilling, and more surveillance.
“It’s still difficult to organize unions in the BPO industry,” he said.
Bajala added that the workers bear the risk, companies save billions.
K-12 failure: job mismatch.
K-12 promised BPO-ready graduates.
TESDA trainings = superficial upskilling.
“Zero tariff trade deal: mas malala pa,” he said.
Marcos agreed on zero tariffs for US goods.
But 19% tariffs on Philippine exports to US.
IBPAP promotes “cost-effective Filipino labor” to US companies.
Colludes with government for investor-friendly policies.
Food, water, electricity, rent all rising.
Race-to-the-bottom wage.
Bajala cited the PHP6.326 Trillion 2025 national budget, a big part of which is for foreign loan payments.
“During calamities, ang BPO workers walang proteksyon,” he said.
No hazard pay or emergency leave.
Bajala stressed that Marcos promised to protect BPO workers in 2022.
As the Customer Service Week is observed during the month of October, BIEN is also filing a House Bill on the Regulation of Artificial intelligence, including the Protection of Freelance Workers.
India has the most number of BPO workers and the Philippines comes in second.
The BIEN is also calling for additional health benefits and expanded healthcare coverage.
Also present were the BPO Workers Network, Alorica, Accenture, digital content creators, moderators, AI workers, and TikTok workers, among others. ###
