Mayor Isko orders four-day workweek at Manila LGU amid Middle East conflict
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso (Photo from Manila PIO)
Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso formally signed Executive Order No. 8, Series of 2026, on Monday, March 9, ordering the adoption of a four-day workweek with extended hours for city offices, except for essential and frontline agencies, as part of the city's energy and fuel-saving initiatives amid the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, pushing crude oil prices to an all-time high.
"Under the order, city government offices will operate four days a week from Monday to Thursday, with extended working hours such as 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while regular office operations will be suspended on Fridays except for agencies providing essential services," Domagoso said.
He explained the policy was issued in response to Memorandum Circular No. 114 signed on March 6 by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. directing government agencies to adopt energy conservation protocols amid geopolitical tensions affecting global fuel markets.
“This is our way of responding to the call of the President and the needs of the moment given the situation brought about by the Middle East conflict,” Domagoso said, noting the move aims to reduce fuel consumption, lower operational costs and ease traffic congestion, while maintaining the delivery of essential public services.
The mayor clarified that essential and frontline services will remain operational, including emergency response units, health services, sanitation operations, public markets, and utilities such as water pumping stations.
"These offices will implement rotational schedules and staffing arrangements to ensure uninterrupted services despite the compressed work week," he stressed.
Domagoso also urged private businesses, barangay officials, and households to consider adopting similar energy-saving measures as the country responds to rising fuel costs and global uncertainty.