Businesses Weigh Effects as PH Government Begins Temporary 4‑Day Work Week

Government offices across the Philippines have begun implementing a temporary four‑day work week on March 9 for certain agencies and offices. This, as the country braces for rising fuel prices tied to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 114, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, offices under the executive branch have shifted their work schedule to four days per week, completing a 40‑hour workweek compressed into longer daily hours.

The move follows a nationwide directive by President Bongbong Marcos to reduce energy consumption and transport fuel use as global oil prices surge.

Several key agencies adopted the four‑day setup:

• The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered a four‑day onsite workweek from Monday to Thursday with Friday as a work‑from‑home (WFH) day for non‑teaching personnel to help conserve energy, while teachers continue regular class schedules.
• The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implemented similar compressed four‑day work arrangements for administrative staff, ensuring that frontline personnel remain on usual schedules.
• City governments (including City of Manila and Zamboanga del Norte)
• Courts nationwide

Business groups have been vocal about the potential economic impact of a four‑day workweek. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) cautioned that mandatory adoption without careful study could disrupt productivity and increase administrative costs.

Manufacturing and production sectors say a compressed weekly schedule could be challenging to implement without affecting output, supply chains and delivery commitments, as continuous operations are key in these industries.

Private firms have yet to widely adopt similar policies, though some organizations are reportedly evaluating flexible work alternatives for later this year as part of business continuity planning.