MALACANANG announced on Wednesday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. might consider examining a proposal to implement a four-day workweek as part of the government’s efforts to conserve energy amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro stated that the President could explore the idea, especially if the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies. However, she clarified that the proposal has not yet been formally discussed.
“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,” Castro said during a briefing.
(At present, the President may consider the suggestion, particularly if the Israel-Iran situation worsens. For now, it remains unaddressed.)
The proposal for a shorter workweek was earlier suggested by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who recommended a four-day workweek with one work-from-home day to help ease the public’s burden amid soaring oil prices.
This development follows Marcos’ directive for government agencies and offices to find ways to reduce energy consumption. The President emphasized the importance of conserving energy sources in light of the geopolitical tensions affecting global oil markets.
“We have given instructions to all government offices to find ways to save energy. This is also my call to the public,” Marcos stated. “Let’s find ways to reduce our use of all sources of energy,” he added.
As tensions in the Middle East continue to impact global oil prices, the government remains committed to exploring sustainable solutions to lessen energy consumption and mitigate the effects of volatile fuel prices.
