Philippine Bill Seeks 6-Month Warning for AI Job Cuts

More than 1.5 million Filipinos working in call centers and back offices could soon get a crucial heads-up: if their jobs are on the line because of artificial intelligence, companies would have to warn them—and the government—six months in advance. That’s the core of House Bill No. 10425, introduced in the Philippine Congress this week, aiming to slow the wave of sudden AI-driven layoffs that’s already hitting workers worldwide.

What Happened

The Philippine House of Representatives is considering a bill that would require companies to give the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at least six months’ notice before laying off employees due to AI automation. The bill, formally known as House Bill No. 10425, was filed by Representative Jocelyn Limkaichong. It targets companies planning to replace workers with AI systems—whether that’s chatbots, automated phone agents, or software that handles accounting, HR, or logistics.

This proposal comes as the Philippines faces mounting pressure from automation. The country’s $30 billion business process outsourcing (BPO) industry—one of the largest in the world—employs roughly 1.5 million people, many of whom handle customer service calls for U.S. and European companies. Industry leaders, like Concentrix and Teleperformance, have already begun rolling out AI tools that can handle basic customer queries, threatening thousands of jobs. In 2025 alone, DOLE reported over 12,000 layoffs in the sector, with at least 4,000 directly attributed to new AI deployments.

If passed, the law would make the Philippines one of the first countries to mandate advance notice for AI-related layoffs. Companies would have to submit detailed plans to DOLE, including how many jobs are at risk, what retraining will be offered, and what support workers can expect. The goal: buy workers and their families time to adjust, retrain, or find new work before the pink slips arrive.

How This Affects Everyday People

For workers, especially those in call centers, finance, or data entry, this bill could mean the difference between sudden unemployment and having a fighting chance to prepare. Imagine a single parent supporting two kids on a BPO salary. Without warning, a chatbot could take over her job, leaving her scrambling to pay rent and buy groceries. With a six-month notice, she could start looking for new work, take a short course, or plan her finances.

The impact isn’t limited to office workers. Students planning careers in tech support or customer service may need to rethink their paths. Families relying on remittances from relatives in the BPO sector could see incomes drop if layoffs hit without warning. Even teachers and guidance counselors will need to help students understand which jobs are most at risk and what skills will be in demand.

Parents may also worry about their children’s future job prospects, especially as AI tools become more common in schools and workplaces. The proposed law won’t stop automation, but it could give families time to adapt. For more on how AI is changing the job landscape, see how AI is displacing jobs and our AI layoffs tracker.

The Bigger Picture

The Philippines isn’t alone in facing the threat of AI-driven job loss. In the United States, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires companies with 100 or more employees to give 60 days’ notice of mass layoffs—but it doesn’t specifically address AI. In the European Union, the new AI Act focuses more on safety and transparency than on protecting jobs.

Still, the pace of automation is accelerating. A 2024 report from the International Labour Organization estimated that up to 40% of global jobs could be affected by AI in the next decade, with clerical and service roles most at risk. In India, major IT firms like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services have announced plans to automate thousands of entry-level jobs. Even in the Philippines, DOLE predicts that up to 200,000 BPO jobs could disappear by 2028 if automation continues unchecked.

Some countries have started to experiment with new protections. In South Korea, the government is piloting retraining programs for workers displaced by AI. Singapore has set up a national AI task force to study the impact on jobs and recommend policy changes. The Philippine bill could set a precedent for other countries where workers face sudden, large-scale layoffs due to automation.

For more on whether your job is safe, see will AI replace your job and our guide to jobs AI can't replace.

What You Can Do

• Stay informed: Watch for updates on House Bill No. 10425 and similar laws in your country. Knowing your rights is the first step to protecting your job.
• Talk to your employer: Ask if your company is planning to introduce new AI tools or automation. Find out if there are retraining or upskilling programs available.
• Build new skills: Consider taking short courses in areas less likely to be automated, such as healthcare, skilled trades, or creative work. Many free or low-cost options are available online.
• Support worker protections: Join or support labor groups advocating for fair notice, retraining, and severance for AI-related layoffs. Your voice can help shape policy.
• Plan ahead: If you work in a high-risk field, start saving and exploring other job options now. Six months’ notice can help, but having a backup plan is even better.

The Bottom Line

The Philippine bill to require six months’ notice for AI-driven layoffs is a sign that governments are waking up to the real-world impact of automation. While it won’t stop companies from using AI, it could give workers and families a vital buffer to prepare for change. As more countries consider similar laws, everyday people should stay alert, get involved, and demand a seat at the table as the future of work is rewritten.