By: Christian Lagrimas
Photo courtesy of GSIS Website
In response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its possible impact on the global oil market, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has ordered several government agencies to transition to a four-day workweek starting Monday, Mar. 9, 2026.
This move is officially mandated through Memorandum Circular 114, a facet of "all-of-government" contingency plan designed to shield the Philippine economy from a looming surge in petroleum prices.
Under the new arrangement, affected offices will implement a concentrated workweek and designated work-from-home days to reduce the energy usage of government buildings and to reduce transport fuel consumption.
"Beginning Monday, March 9, we will temporarily implement a four-day workweek in some offices of the executive branch," President Marcos announced in a video message released late Friday.
He clarified that the measure is an interim step that will remain in effect until the situation stabilizes.
The shortened workweek comes together with a strict mandate for all government agencies to reduce their electricity and fuel consumption by 10% to 20%.
President Marcos Jr. has also prohibited non-essential government travel and activities, such as study tours, team-building exercises, and in-person meetings that can be effectively moved online.
"We are taking these steps to ensure that the government leads by example in conserving our resources during this volatile period," Marcos Jr. said.
Notably, the four-day schedule will not apply to agencies providing essential or emergency services such as healthcare and police services.