The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and private employers must do their part in helping conserve precious fuel by adopting and expanding work-from-home (WFH) and flexible work arrangements for workers.

Thus, said House Committee on Labor Chairman Cavite 1st district Rep. Jolo Revilla, who cited the ongoing global energy crisis triggered by the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.

Revilla says DOLE plays a critical role in leading the transition by issuing clear and updated guidelines, ensuring the protection of workers’ rights, and working closely with employers to institutionalize flexible work arrangements across industries.

He warned that the continuing war in the Middle East was already disrupting global oil supply, pushing fuel prices higher and posing risks to the country’s energy security, especially for an oil-importing nation like the Philippines.

“The situation in Iran is not just a distant conflict—it directly affects our fuel supply and prices. Kapag tumagal pa ito, may posibilidad na maapektuhan ang ating fuel reserves at lalong bumigat ang gastos ng ating mga manggagawa,” Revilla said.

(If this drags on, there’s a possibility our fuel reserves will be affected and workers’ expenses will grow heavier.)

Global oil markets have been severely disrupted as the conflict threatens key supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20 percent of the world’s oil, leading to price surges and supply uncertainty.

Revilla noted that while the Philippines currently maintains fuel reserves estimated to last around 60 days, prolonged disruption could strain supply and force the government to adopt stricter conservation measures.

“Hindi natin dapat hintayin na maubos o magkulang ang suplay bago kumilos. Ngayon pa lang, dapat magpatupad na tayo ng mga hakbang para makatipid sa konsumo ng gasolina,” he stressed.

(We should not wait for the supply to run out or fall short before acting. Even now, we must implement measures to save on gasoline consumption.)

The Cavite lawmaker say promoting WFH and hybrid work setups is a practical and immediate solution that can significantly reduce daily fuel consumption, especially in urban areas where millions of workers rely on commuting.

“Kung mas kaunti ang bumibiyahe araw-araw, mas kaunti ang konsumo ng gasolina. Malaking tulong ito hindi lamang sa mga empleyado kundi sa buong bansa sa panahon ng krisis,” Revilla explained.

(If fewer people travel daily, gasoline consumption will be reduced. This is a big help not only to employees but to the whole country in times of crisis.)

Revilla also called on DOLE to actively engage employers and business groups to promote best practices in WFH implementation, while strengthening monitoring and compliance mechanisms to prevent abuse and safeguard labor standards.

He added that several countries in Asia have already begun implementing fuel-saving measures, including remote work policies and reduced workdays, in response to the energy crisis.

“Panahon na para gawing bahagi ng long-term labor policy ang flexible work arrangements—hindi lang bilang benepisyo kundi bilang strategic response sa mga krisis tulad nito,” he said.

(It’s time to make flexible work arrangements part of long-term labor policy—not just as a benefit but as a strategic response to crises like this.)

The committee chairman emphasized that beyond easing costs for workers, WFH arrangements can also help businesses reduce operational expenses while maintaining efficiency.

“Sa harap ng tumataas na presyo ng langis at hindi tiyak na global situation, ang pagtitipid sa fuel ay responsibilidad nating lahat. Ang work-from-home ay isang konkretong hakbang para dito,” Revilla said.

(With rising oil prices and an uncertain global situation, saving fuel is everyone’s responsibility. Work-from-home is a concrete step toward this.)