Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Wednesday, March 11 expressed his support on suggestions to allow its employees to work from home as part of efforts to conserve energy in response to the conflict in the Middle East. 

Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza, the Senate leader said, suggested it to the body, as the proposal can help reduce electricity and fuel costs.

“He suggested that we allow all Senate employees who can work from home to do so, especially those who do not need to report there regularly,” Sotto said in Filipino during a forum in Manila.

“That’s a good suggestion because we should do anything we can to help. Even small contributions can make a big difference,” he said.

“So that’s possible. Let’s reduce the use of electricity and gasoline,” the Senate chief said.

Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that starting March 9, 2026, the government will temporarily implement a four-day workweek on all offices under the Executive branch.

The Palace also issued Memorandum Circular No. 114, which calls for stringent energy conservation measures to reduce energy footprint of government operations. 

Mendoza, in an interview, said they will also be studying the feasibility of setting up shower facilities within the Senate for employees who wish to bike or walk to the office.

“We notice that in the afternoon, a lot of the people around here walk. So we will push for it. We will also suggest that to the Senate President, and I think he would agree to that,” he said.

Mendoza said they will probably start implementing the work from home scheme after the Holy Week.