PASAY CITY—The Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development fast-tracked discussions on Wednesday to strengthen protections for the Philippines' massive BPO sector.

Lawmakers converged on January 21, 2026, to deliberate on Senate Bill 1493, a landmark piece of legislation designed to address long-standing gaps in worker welfare.

The hearing focused on transforming the "BPO Workers' Welfare and Protection Act" into a robust legal shield for call center agents and back-office professionals nationwide.

The proposed measure targets three critical pillars: job security, healthcare access, and fair compensation. If passed, the bill will mandate earlier access to medical benefits for new hires and establish a national entry-level wage aligned with the actual cost of living for a family.

By codifying these standards, the Senate aims to further professionalize the industry and mitigate the high-stress conditions often associated with the 24/7 outsourcing environment.

Stakeholders from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), industry leaders, and labor advocacy groups provided key testimony during the session.

While BPO firms and worker unions exchanged perspectives on implementation, the consensus remained focused on adapting labor standards to the unique night-shift demands of the industry.

The Committee is expected to refine the bill's provisions based on this feedback to ensure the final law balances industry growth with the fundamental rights of employees.