Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may consider reviewing a proposal for a four-day workweek as part of efforts to reduce energy use as global oil prices face pressure from tensions in the Middle East, Malacañang said Wednesday, March 4.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the suggestion could be examined if the conflict involving Israel and Iran escalates and affects fuel supply and prices.
“Sa ngayon po ay maaaring pag-aralan po ng pangulo ang ganiyang suhestiyon lalo na kung magiging malala pa po ang nangyayaring Israel-Iran issue. Sa ngayon po ay hindi pa po ito napag-uusapan.”
[Translation: For now, the president may study such a suggestion, especially if the Israel-Iran situation turns more serious. At present, it has not yet been discussed.]
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian suggested shortening the workweek or expanding work-from-home arrangements to help reduce travel and fuel consumption.
“Ang immediate natin… kung kayang mag-implement ng four-day workweek instead na limang araw na nasa kalsada, o work-from-home para hindi lalabas ng kalsada. Kasi once na lumabas ka, gastos ng petrolyo iyon,” he said.
[Translation: An immediate option is to see if a four-day workweek can be implemented instead of people being on the road five days a week, or to allow work from home so they don’t need to travel. Once you go out, that means spending on fuel.]
Marcos has instructed government agencies to adopt measures to cut electricity consumption as uncertainty in global energy markets grows.
Officials have warned that an escalation of hostilities in the Middle East could drive oil prices higher and potentially affect supply routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping corridor for global crude exports.
The country already allows flexible work arrangements under the Telecommuting Act, which permits companies and government offices to adopt remote work setups using digital communication tools.
Lawmakers have raised concerns that prolonged instability in the region could lead not only to higher fuel costs but also possible disruptions in global oil supply.
