The findings challenge the key assumptions about 'command functions' and 'strategic role' of global cities that underpin the global city rankings. Instead, the attraction of lower-end services leads to Manila's dependent articulation into global service production networks. Based on empirical research on advanced producer service firms in Metro Manila, the Philippines, this paper argues that the existence of linkages and the appearance 'on the map' of dominant economic flows does not automatically lead to an increased command and control position of Manila. These firms' offices are attributed a vital role in the world city network literature and form the basis for world city rankings using the interlocking network model. In particular, financial service firms, but also management consultancies, law firms, and other advanced producer service firms have offshored tasks abroad. The changing geography of service employment and the relocation of back-office service tasks to developing economies present a challenge to contemporary world city network research and methodology, as cost-driven offshoring may wrongly suggest a city's increased importance in global city rankings.
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