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Alexis Romero - The Philippine Star
March 29, 2026 | 12:00am
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the work arrangement is a “good suggestion,” but companies are the ones that would decide on the mode they intend to adopt.
Philstar.com / Jovannie Lambayan
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is leaving it up to the private sector to decide whether to implement a work-from-home setup to reduce fuel costs and lessen the impact of soaring oil prices.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the work arrangement is a “good suggestion,” but companies are the ones that would decide on the mode they intend to adopt.
“If that is the suggestion of private business companies, it would be a big help. But of course, the President cannot dictate on private firms,” Castro said at a press briefing on Friday.
“If they see it as advantageous to our nation, for the interest of our countrymen so they can save on fuel costs, that would be a good suggestion,” she added.
The Marcos administration has adopted energy conservation measures to soften the impact of the war in the Middle East, which is seen to cause serious supply chain disruptions and price volatilities.
Earlier this month, President Marcos ordered the implementation of a four-day workweek in offices under the executive branch.
The directive covers all national government agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations, local government units, constitutional bodies, state universities and colleges and other government instrumentalities.
Agencies that provide essential and frontline services will continue normal operations, including those involved in health services, public safety and emergency response.
Last week, Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency to ensure adequate oil supply and the unhampered delivery of essential services and to strengthen efforts against hoarding and other illegal activities that may raise commodity prices.
He also signed a law allowing him to temporarily suspend or cut excise taxes on petroleum products to mitigate the effects of increasing fuel costs.
