The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered the full resumption of work for all offices and departments at their main office situated in the Palacio del Gobernador’s Ground, 7th and 8th Floors starting August 4.

"All officials and employees situated therein are directed to report physically for work, on-site," Comelec Acting Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said in a statement.

He said this as he shared the memorandum issued by their Executive Director Bartolome J. Sinocruz, Jr. dated August 3.

Laudiangco said the work-from-home scheme being applicable and available only to employees who are senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and with co-morbidities subject to the approval of their respective head of office or department.

The work-from-home scheme, he said, is likewise available to pregnant employees of the Commission, subject to the same condition of prior approval of their respective head of office or department.

"Given that electrical power has yet to be fully restored at the Comelec Offices located at the 5th Floor, officials and employees assigned there are likewise directed to be on work-from-home status, however ensuring continuity of all operational and administrative functions," Laudiangco said.

To note, the Comelec implemented a work-from-home arrangements after a fire hit the 7th floor of the Palacio del Gobernador Sunday, July 31.

Meanwhile, with the fire incident, Comelec Chairman George Garcia is hoping that the poll body will soon have its own building so they will no longer have to lease.

"We have a 3-hectare property at the Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Parañaque City. We hope we will be given funds so we won't need to rent spaces anymore," he said in a press briefing.

"It's hard to organize if our offices are located separately. We have to be confined to one area only," added Garcia.

The poll chief said the Comelec spends over P70 million annually for their office lease agreements.