Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Sunday, March 8 urged private companies to consider adopting Malacañang-backed four-day onsite workweek or implement a staggered work-hour schemes to help cushion the impact of fuel price hikes.

The senator made the call as the country reels over the broader economic disruptions due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

“Acting this early as we anticipate what could possibly happen would strengthen the country’s resilience should the situation worsen,” Escudero said.

The lawmaker said flexible arrangements would help reduce daily transportation demand, lower operating costs, provide workers with added relief as global oil markets remain volatile, as well as reduce billions of pesos in lost opportunities everyday due to traffic congestion.

Congress, for its part, has long implemented a four-day work week for its personnel and suggested that extending similar schemes more broadly could help reduce fuel consumption, save energy, and ease traffic congestion.

Moreover, he said private sector participation would significantly amplify the benefits of the government’s temporary shift to a compressed work arrangement, especially in major business districts.

Also, firms in Makati and Bonifacio Global City can explore flexible setups that can meaningfully reduce peak-hour congestion.

“These areas experience some of the heaviest daily traffic volumes, making them ideal starting points for mobility‑oriented workplace reforms,” he said.

Earlier, President Marcos ordered a temporary four‑day workweek for selected executive branch offices starting March 9 as part of efforts to conserve energy and reduce fuel use.

In releasing Memorandum Circular No. 114, the Chief Executive mandated agencies to, among others, cut electricity and fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent, maintain air‑conditioning at 24°C, and suspend non‑essential travel and activities.

MC No. 114 also allows agencies to implement the four‑day onsite setup through a compressed workweek or a designated work‑from‑home day, consistent with Civil Service Commission (CSC) policies.

Escudero noted that a study conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) showed that Metro Manila’s traffic congestion alone costs the Philippine economy an estimated P3.5-billion per day, a figure projected to rise to P5.4-billion daily by 2035 if this is not addressed.

“If we are losing P3.5 billion every single day because of traffic, that means Metro Manila is bleeding roughly P105 billion a month and more than P1.27 trillion a year,” Escudero said.