BPOs in PH not hit by US shutdown

MANILA, Philippines – Business process outsourcing (BPO) firms in the country continue their operations amid the US federal government shutdown, according to the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (AmCham). 

“US business will continue to need the services of the BPO industry here in the Philippines as US commerce will continue to operate normally,” said AmCham President Rhicke Jennings in a statement sent to Rappler on Thursday, October 3.

On Tuesday, the US government faced a partial shutdown — a first in 17 years — on the failure of Congress to pass a budget bill.

With the shutdown, “non-essential” services deemed by the Antideficiency Act have been suspended. 

These services include US national parks, monuments, and museums.

Read: What happens during a US government shutdown? 

“Therefore, while people traveling to the US on holiday may be disappointed that they cannot access national parks and other sites, international business and the need for support from our BPO industry will continue uninterrupted,” Jennings added.

He also said that “those businesses that are directly involved with the US government or require permits or project approvals may experience delays depending on the situation.”

AmCham hopes that the shutdown will be resolved soon and that it does not impact key global events such as the APEC Leaders’ Summit, and President Obama’s travel plans to the region, though Malaysia and Philippines had to be taken off his itinerary. – Rappler.com