Ecozone WFH limit raised to 90% as PH battles 2026 national energy emergency

The FIRB approves temporary remote work flexibility to shield BPOs and exporters from power outages and ₱170/liter diesel costs.

Companies inside economic and freeport zones can now shift most of their workforce to remote setups as the government moves to keep businesses running despite rising energy pressures.

The Department of Finance, through the Fiscal Incentives Review Board, has approved up to 90% work-from-home arrangements for registered firms, giving them room to operate even as power supply risks disrupt day-to-day activity.

The move helps stabilize operations at a time when outages and higher energy costs threaten to slow production and services. Jobs are less likely to be cut as firms adjust their setups instead of scaling back, while companies gain more control over costs and continuity.

The setup comes with tight guardrails. Firms must meet minimum on-site workforce levels set by regulators, maintain export revenues, and keep headcount unchanged. Noncompliance triggers financial penalties, while the movement of tax-free assets outside zones will require approval and monitoring.

The policy runs for up to one year, signaling a temporary but critical shift in how economic zone firms balance operations, costs, and continuity under pressure.