Marcos open to studying 4-day workweek as energy-saving measure amid Middle East tensions

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may consider reviewing a proposal to adopt a four-day workweek in government as part of efforts to conserve energy, Malacañang said Wednesday, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Palace press officer Claire Castro said the President could look into the idea, particularly if the conflict between Israel and Iran persists or worsens. She added, however, that the proposal has not yet been taken up by the Cabinet.

The suggestion follows an earlier proposal from Senator Sherwin Gatchalian to either compress the standard five-day work schedule into four days or expand work-from-home arrangements, as a way to ease the impact of rising oil prices on the public.

Existing policies already allow flexible work setups. For government employees, the Civil Service Commission authorizes arrangements such as remote work under CSC Memorandum Circular No. 6, series of 2022. In the private sector, alternative work arrangements are permitted under Republic Act No. 11165, or the Telecommuting Act of 2018.

Marcos earlier urged Filipinos to conserve energy in anticipation of possible increases in petroleum prices, citing projections of a petroleum supply shortage in the coming weeks linked to the intensifying Middle East conflict. He appealed to the public—particularly government officials—to avoid unnecessary travel and to use public transportation, carpool, or other fuel-saving measures.