Dr. Marian Majer, Chairperson of the GPCCI Policy and Advocacy Committee, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of understanding the new guidelines. He also underscored the value of creating a platform for participants to share industry insights, identify challenges, and explore emerging opportunities.
Ms. Sheila Merl Lantaca, Acting Supervising Labor and Employment Officer at the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), presented key updates on the new rules governing the employment of foreign nationals in the Philippines. She discussed critical areas such as the economic needs test, documentary requirements for Alien Employment Permits (AEPs), exemptions and exclusions from application, and grounds for denial. Additionally, she highlighted introducing the Understudy Training or Skills Development Training Program (UTP/SDP) under Department Order No. 248-25, along with forming a technical working group to evaluate compliance with the program's guidelines.
Atty. Renson Louise Yu, Associate at Quisumbing Torres, moderated the Q&A session, facilitating a dynamic exchange of questions and insights from participants to further unpack the new supplemental guidelines. Key points raised included:
- Renewal applications for AEPs under the new guidelines
- Strengthening inspection mechanisms for establishments employing foreign nationals
- Clarifying the basis for AEP applications in relation to job roles
- Using affidavits of undertaking as alternatives for foreign nationals unable to submit diplomas or educational records
To close the event, Ms. Marie Antoinette Mariano, GPCCI President, encouraged participants to continue fostering collaboration and dialogue to better explain and understand policies such as DO 248-25. She acknowledged the participants' active engagement—particularly their insights and concerns regarding the new AEP guidelines—as a valuable contribution to the ongoing policy discourse. These shared perspectives highlighted key implementation challenges and opened avenues for the committee to organize future initiatives that strengthen public-private partnerships and foster a more competitive and inclusive investment environment in the Philippines.
