AO No. 45 (s. 2025): Reopening IT Park Applications in Metro Manila

The Office of the President has issued Administrative Order No. 45 (s. 2025) from Malacañangn Palace, Manila, once again allowing the processing and evaluation of applications for new Information Technology (IT) Centres and IT Parks within Metro Manila.

The order amends earlier issuances that had suspended such applications, reopening a pathway that had been closed to new applicants. Here is what it means for you and how to prepare.

Background of the Administrative Order

To appreciate the significance of this development, it helps to trace the recent legislative history governing IT Centres and IT Parks in the capital region:

• Administrative Order No. 18 (s. 2019) — This order suspended the acceptance, processing, and evaluation of applications for new IT Centres and IT Parks in Metro Manila. The measure was introduced to manage the concentration of registered enterprises and to encourage the dispersal of investment to areas outside the National Capital Region.
• Administrative Order No. 11 (s. 2023) — This order amended AO 18, refining the framework but maintaining significant restrictions on new applications within Metro Manila.
• Administrative Order No. 45 (s. 2025) — The present order further amends AO 18, as amended by AO 11, by once again allowing the processing and evaluation of applications for the establishment of IT Centres and IT Parks in Metro Manila.

Key Highlights

A review of Administrative Order No. 45 (s. 2025) identifies three core changes of direct relevance to affected stakeholders. The following points summarise the principal effects of the order, providing a clear picture of what has changed and what it means in practice: 

• ​Applications may now proceed. The competent authorities are permitted to accept, process, and evaluate applications for new IT Centres and IT Parks located in Metro Manila.
• Continuity of the wider framework. AO 45 amends rather than repeal the earlier orders. The broader regulatory structure established under AO 18 and AO 11 remains in force, save for the specific change reopening Metro Manila applications.
• Renewed focus on the capital region. The change signals a policy shift towards accommodating IT-enabled investment within Metro Manila, where demand for well-located, purpose-built facilities remains strong.

What this means for developers, locators, and investors

Developers and property owners can now pursue accreditation for projects in prime metropolitan locations, potentially unlocking value in sites that were previously ineligible. Locator enterprises (particularly firms in business process management, software development, and other IT-enabled services) gain a wider choice of accredited premises close to established talent pools and transport links. Investors should anticipate renewed competition for suitable sites and factor timing into their plans, since early, well-prepared applications are likely to prove advantageous.  

This Administrative Order takes effect immediately. All affected parties are advised to comply accordingly.