4-DAY WORKWEEK IN SOME GOV’T OFFICES STARTING MARCH 9

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday ordered the temporary implementation of a four-day workweek in some executive branch offices starting March 9, as part of the government’s efforts to conserve energy and reduce fuel use amid rising global oil prices triggered by the ongoing Middle East crisis.

In a message to the nation, President Marcos said the policy will apply to selected offices under the executive branch.

“Para naman sa bahagi ng pamahalaan: Simula sa Lunes, ika-9 ng Marso, pansamantala nating ipapatupad ang four-day work week sa ilang tanggapan ng ehekutibo,” President Marcos said.

Shortly following the President’s announcement, Malacañang released Memorandum Circular (MC) 114, which provides additional details on the implementation of the directive.

MC 114 states that the order will cover all national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), local government units, constitutional bodies, state universities and colleges, and other government instrumentalities.

“There is an urgent need to adopt strict energy conservation measures, to further reduce the energy footprint of government operations and optimize the use of public resources,” the MC read.

The President, meanwhile, stressed that agencies that provide essential and frontline services will continue normal operations. These include offices responsible for health services, public safety, and emergency response, such as the police, firefighters, and other frontline agencies.

In addition to the shortened workweek, President Marcos directed government agencies to cut their electricity and fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent.

Under the memorandum, government offices are instructed to maintain air-conditioning at 24 degrees Celsius, adding that non-essential lights and electronic equipment must be turned off during lunch breaks and after office hours. Office equipment should also be set to sleep mode when not in use.

The Chief Executive likewise ordered a temporary suspension of non-essential travel and activities, including study tours, team-building activities, and meetings that can instead be conducted online.

Aside from energy-saving measures, the President also announced several other measures to cushion the impact of expected oil price increase including possible tax adjustments on petroleum products and fuel subsidies.