The House leadership is looking at telecommuting and flexible work arrangements as potential ways to mitigate the impact of the rising cost of fuel and electricity on Filipino workers, even as hostilities in the oil-producing Middle East continue to escalate.

Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos filed on Monday, March 9 House Resolution (HR) No. 855, which called on the Committees on Labor and Employment, and on Trade and Industry to conduct a joint inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the implementation of the Telecommuting Act and flexible work policies in government.

The committees are expected to submit their findings and recommendations to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, including possible legislative measures and policy actions to strengthen and expand telecommuting arrangements nationwide.

The resolution comes as tensions in the Middle East threaten global oil supply chains and raise concerns about possible increases in fuel and electricity prices that could affect workers and businesses.

“Recent geopolitical tensions and armed conflict in the Middle East pose significant risks to global oil supply chains, potentially resulting in higher fuel prices and electricity costs that may inevitably affect the Philippine economy and the daily lives of Filipino workers,” Marcos said in the resolution.

"The House of Representatives, in the exercise of its oversight function, must assess the extent to which the Telecommuting Act and flexible work arrangements in the government and private sector has been implemented by relevant government agencies and determine whether additional legislative or policy measures are necessary to maximize its benefits for workers, employers, and the national economy,” Marcos said.

The presidential son noted that higher fuel and power costs directly translate into heavier financial burdens for families and businesses.

“The increase in fuel and electricity prices translates into higher transportation costs, greater operational expenses for businesses, and additional financial burden on Filipino families already coping with inflationary pressures,” he said.

Marcos, a second-termer, said flexible work arrangements, including telecommuting, could help reduce these pressures while maintaining productivity.

“In times of economic disruption caused by global energy shocks, telecommuting arrangements may serve as effective policy mechanisms to reduce transportation demand, lower operational energy consumption in workplaces, and help shield workers and businesses from the adverse effects of rising fuel and electricity costs,” he said.

Republic Act (RA) No. 11165, or the Telecommuting Act, allows employees in the private sector to perform their duties from alternative workplaces using telecommunications and computer technologies while ensuring that their labor rights and benefits remain protected.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) also adopted policies on flexible work arrangements in government through Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2022.

However, Marcos noted that the level of adoption of these work arrangements varies widely across industries and government agencies.

As such, he says Congress must assess whether or not existing policies are sufficient, as well as identify measures that could expand telecommuting arrangements.

The proposed inquiry will examine the current level of telecommuting adoption in both the public and private sectors, the effectiveness of existing implementing rules, and the role of digital infrastructure and broadband connectivity in supporting remote work.

It will also explore the potential contribution of telecommuting in reducing fuel consumption, easing traffic congestion, and lowering electricity demand in workplaces.