Malacañang on Wednesday, March 16, said the proposal for a four-day workweek and the extension of the work from home (WFH) arrangements are still being considered by President Duterte.
In a virtual Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the calls to shorten the workweek are "under consideration" of Duterte to give employees some reprieve amid the increasing fuel prices.
"Iyan po ay under consideration ng ating Pangulo. Ito pong mga panukala na ito ay in case na tumaas pa ng husto ang presyo ng langis sa pandaigdigang merkado (That is still being considered by the President. These measures are in place in case oil prices in the global market rises further)," Andanar explained.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Karl Chua earlier recommended to shorten the workweek to four days but with longer hours to help conserve energy.
During the President's "Talk to the People" address aired Wednesday morning, Chua said the country should practice energy conservation by limiting the mobility of workers to cushion the impact of the skyrocketing fuel prices on the economy.
Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi also echoed Chua's proposal, adding that they are also pushing for energy efficiency and conservation.
Cusi likewise suggested extending the work-from-home setup for employees in a bid to reduce fuel consumption in transportation.
Several fuel firms have imposed a double-digit price increase last Tuesday, March 15, marking the eleventh upward rate adjustment in a row.
Some lawmakers have already urged Duterte to call for a special session of Congress to pass legislation on the proposed suspension of excise taxes on petroleum products.