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Elizabeth Marcelo - The Philippine Star
March 8, 2025 | 12:00am
Filipino Muslims gather for Maghrib prayer at the Golden Mosque in Quiapo on March 3, 2025.
Photo courtesy of Jann Conrad Bonifacio
MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Service Commission has advised Muslim government workers to avail themselves of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in observance of Ramadan, or the Islamic month of prayer and fasting.
In a press statement, the CSC reminded government agencies that under Resolutions 81-1277 and 00-0227, official work hours – typically from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – may be adjusted to 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. without a noon break.
The two-hour difference shall not be considered undertime, and this modification applies exclusively to Muslim officials and employees.
The implementation of FWAs during Ramadan aligns with Presidential Decree 91, Series of 1973, as amended by PD 322, s. 1973.
“Agencies, however, are reminded to ensure that all their stakeholders are assured of continuous public service delivery from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including lunch break, throughout the work week,” the CSC said in an advisory posted on its website.
Additionally, the CSC guidelines provide that Muslim employees are excused from work every Friday – from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – to observe their “pray day.”
The commission clarified that this provision applies to all Fridays of the year, not just during Ramadan.
To maintain the required 40-hour workweek, government agencies are encouraged to implement flexible schedules that accommodate Muslim employees’ prayer obligations.
Under CSC Memorandum Circular No. 06, issued on June 6, 2022, Muslim employees may adopt Flexitime – a type of FWA that allows government agencies to implement flexible work hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., provided employees fulfill the 40-hour weekly requirement.
The CSC also directed agencies to establish internal guidelines on FWAs, including tasks that may be completed outside the office, health and communication protocols, performance standards, monitoring mechanisms and support provisions for employees.
