'Sina yorme na ang nag-adjust': Metro Manila LGUs starts 7 a.m.-4 p.m. working hours on April 15
Local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila and all agencies under them have adjusted the start of working hours to 7 a.m. as part of the solution to the address the traffic problems in the National Capital Region (NCR).
In a resolution of the Metro Manila Council (MMC), which was approved by all NCR mayors, it also urged President Marcos to issue an executive order that will adopt the same working hours—from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This way, all the national government agencies located in Metro Manila will also be compelled to do the same, and eventually lead to address traffic problems and improved commuting conditions for all workers in NCR.
Citing what it described as a comprehensive examination on the prevailing traffic condition in Metro Manila, the MMC said the existing traffic congestion in Metro Manila has highlighted the need for innovative measures to address the prevailing traffic situation.
“The findings derived from the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) study underscore the potential effectiveness of implementing a standardized working schedule for government offices in Metro Manila, particularly during peak hours, in reducing traffic congestion,” the MMC Resolution read.
It said the 7 p.m. to 4 p.m. working hours would certainly ease congestion in Metro Manila roads since this means that government workers would have time to adjust their travel time.
Another benefit of the adjustment of working hours, according to the resolution, is that government workers would no longer be crossing paths with employees of private companies that usually implement the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. working hours during the morning and afternoon rush hours.
As such, both government workers and private company employees will have breathing space in the morning and afternoon rush hours.
In the same Resolution, the MMC said government transactions will not be affected since based on the observation, government transactions commonly start before 8 a.m. and end before 5 p.m.
In reinforcing the legal basis of its decision, the MMC cited Section 6, Rule XVII of the Omnibus Rules Implementing Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987 which authorizes flexible working schedules in the government.
In the Resolution, the MMC urged all LGUs in Metro Manila to adopt their respective ordinances for the implementation of the adjustment in working hours.
The Resolution will take effect on April 15, which is the expected completion of the publication to the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation