4-Day Work Week? Marcos Open to Studying It as Middle East War Drives Up Energy Costs

Could Filipinos soon be working only four days a week? President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signaled he's open to studying the idea — not for work-life balance reasons, but to save energy as the war in the Middle East sends global fuel prices soaring.

Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed on Wednesday that the President is willing to explore a four-day workweek proposal, especially for government offices. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also pitched a similar plan — four days of office work plus one work-from-home day — to ease the burden of rising oil prices on ordinary Filipinos.

But the business sector isn't exactly celebrating yet. Federation of Philippine Industries Chairman Elizabeth Lee called for a thorough, sector-by-sector review before any rollout. "Manufacturing and other production-driven sectors typically operate on continuous production cycles," she said, warning that a blanket mandate could disrupt output, delivery schedules, and supply chains.

Lee pointed out that no ASEAN country has adopted a universal four-day workweek across all sectors, and suggested pilot programs and data-driven evaluation first. "Productivity and cost implications are critical variables," she emphasized.

The proposal comes as Marcos ordered all government offices and agencies to find ways to conserve energy following the US-Iran conflict that has disrupted oil-producing nations across the Middle East. Bloomberg also reports the government is suggesting Filipinos use their air conditioners less and avoid non-essential travel. Whether it ends up as a real policy or just talk, the idea has definitely gotten people's attention.

Source: The Manila Times