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Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
March 7, 2026 | 12:00am
This was among the measures laid down by Marcos in a video message to address the impending surge in prices of petroleum products next week.
Philstar.com / Jovannie Lambayan
MANILA, Philippines — Starting March 9, some agencies under the executive branch will implement a four-day workweek setup as the country braces for higher oil prices triggered by the raging war in the Middle East, President Marcos announced yesterday.
This was among the measures laid down by Marcos in a video message to address the impending surge in prices of petroleum products next week.
Under Memorandum Circular 114 signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, agencies shall adopt a four-day onsite work arrangement, through a compressed workweek or a designated common day for work-from-home arrangements, in accordance with Civil Service Commission to reduce building energy load and transport fuel use.
The adoption of a four-day onsite work arrangement will be implemented starting March 9 and shall remain in effect until lifted or revoked by the President.
Marcos said not included in the four-day workweek are agencies that provide emergency or essential services, such as police, firefighters and offices that provide frontline services to the public.
Marcos also directed all agencies of the government to conserve and reduce electricity consumption and petroleum costs by 10 to 20 percent.
“Non-essential government travel and activities, such as study tours, team-building activities or meetings that can be done online, are also temporarily prohibited,” he said.
Marcos said the government would soon roll out fuel subsidies for affected sectors.
“I appeal to our businessmen and traders: please do not take advantage of this situation. I remind everyone that hoarding and profiteering are against the law,” he said.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman emeritus George Barcelon told “Storycon” on One News yesterday that private enterprises could go along with a four-day workweek, but not in all sectors.
Power hike
Meanwhile, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has warned of possible upward pressure on electricity rates due to surging fuel prices.
This follows a joint assessment by the ERC and the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines on how Middle East tensions could affect the country’s power prices.
Citing IEMOP simulations, the ERC said soaring global fuel prices could push rates higher in the Wholesale Electricity Spot.
Given the Philippines’ heavy reliance on imported fuel, the ERC noted that the power sector is “sensitive” to global commodity price movements.
According to the ERC, market analysis indicated that higher fuel costs alone could drive up prices in the WESM, where electricity is traded in real time. — Brix Lelis
