By Genalyn Kabiling
President Duterte said he would still consult with his Cabinet on the proposed implementation of a four-day workweek that seeks to ease traffic congestion.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during his visit to the Taguig City Center for the Elderly on November 21, 2019. (KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)
The President said he has not yet decided on the proposed shorter workweek and would wait for the sentiments of the Cabinet, particularly Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.
"I have to discuss it with the Cabinet. I have to discuss it with Bello and the rest," he said in a media interview in Davao City last Saturday.
Asked if he was open to the short workweek proposal, Duterte said: "I am open to… I have not yet decided really. I just want to hear."
House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante earlier proposed a four-day workweek in both in the public and private sectors to mitigate the traffic problem during the Christmas season. Abante said employees could instead work from home if the tasks are output-oriented.
A number of bills seeking to shorten the work days remained pending in the House of Representatives.
Some labor groups however were reportedly not keen on the proposal since it would mean lesser income for the workers.