Philippines orders a four-day work week for select government offices and cuts energy use by up to 20% to mitigate soaring oil prices from Middle East tensions.
MANILA: President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos has ordered a temporary four-day work week for selected government offices. The measure, effective from Monday, is part of a broader energy conservation drive.
It aims to mitigate the economic impact of rising oil prices linked to ongoing Middle East tensions. The order applies only to offices under the executive branch.
Agencies providing emergency or essential services are exempt. This includes police, firefighters, and offices delivering frontline public services.
Marcos also directed all government agencies to reduce electricity and fuel consumption. They must cut usage by 10% to 20%.
He announced the measures in a video message on Friday. The government is temporarily prohibiting non-essential travel and activities.
This includes study tours, team-building events, and meetings that can be held online. Marcos said these steps are necessary to cushion the impact of soaring oil prices.
