Clark locators raise concerns about centralized processing of alien work permits in Metro Manila

LOCATORS overseen by Clark Development Corp. (CDC) raised concerns about the ease-of-doing-business impact of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DoLE) decision to strip regional offices of the power to process work permits for foreigners. 

In a statement on Monday, CDC said locator concerns were raised during a discussion on DoLE Administrative Order No. 199, Series of 2026, which centralized the processing of alien employment permits (AEPs) at the DoLE headquarters in Manila.

“Locators raised concerns on application procedures, timelines, payment arrangements, release of AEP cards, and pending applications filed before the new policy,” the CDC said.

An AEP authorizes foreign nationals to work in the Philippines and is required for certain visa applications and renewals.

CDC locators previously operated under the terms of a Joint Memorandum Order signed by the CDC, DoLE, Bureau of Immigration (BI), and other agencies to streamline transactions while ensuring compliance with labor and immigration laws.

The CDC has advised locators to review permits nearing expiration and file renewal applications early to avoid disruptions while transitioning to new system.

CDC President and Chief Executive Officer Agnes VST Devanadera said the locators’ concerns were relayed to DoLE. She is also set to meet with Acting Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino to present recommendations.

The CDC will also work with BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado on visa renewals, transition arrangements and other immigration processes associated with AEPs.

Input from the consultation will be consolidated and submitted to DoLE, it added.

The CDC said it is committed to comply with national labor and immigration policies while ensuring ease of doing business for Clark-based locators.

The CDC was created in 1993 via Executive Order No. 80. It is tasked with operating, administering, managing, and develop Clark Freeport Zone and Clark Special Economic Zone. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz