Non-Involvment Clause

Dear Attorney,

My employer recently asked us to sign a "Non-Involvement Agreement" which stipulates that "for a period of 24 months from separation, resignation or termination from employment, the Employee will not directly or indirectly engage in any business similar with that of the company is engaged to. This covenant shall apply to geographical areas that include the Republic of the Philippines and other countries and locations where the company has offices."

This agreement is now just being served to us (existing employees), do we have the option not to sign it?

Also, although the clause has provided a limit to space, is this still acceptable covering the whole of the Philippines and overseas offices?

As a background, the company is involved in the outsourcing business but it is not just a call center it also offers virtual assistants to small - medium enterprises.

My employment background has been in the call center industry and a freelance virtual assistant before joining the company. IF I sign this agreement and in the event that I resign, would this not deprive me from my right to engage in the type of employment I only knew?

Your assistance is highly appreciated.

Thanks,
Louise

in my opinion, you have the right not to sign.

Thanks.