THE scheme of allowing government employees to work only four days a week to save energy or fuel, especially fossil-based petroleum, due to middle east conflict, is “bad for economy,” Buenavista Mayor Atty. Dave Duallo said in exclusive interview.
But he clarified this “Need to be clear… what purpose? to save energy?”
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is reportedly to implement the four-day work week in all executive department of government starting tomorrow, March 9, 2026, apparently to save energy. This came as the middle east heightened tension and conflict badly affects the petrol production and transiting that may give rise to fuel prices in world market.
Mayor Duallo stressed, “u mean if govt workers are not in the office they are not consuming fuel or electricity? sa ilang mga balay wala diay electricity? dili ba kaha manglaag ra kay walay trabaho so spend more for fuel and energy? how about the Jos (job orders employees) who are on no work no pay basis? sila maoy makohaan kay wala man sila sweldo madawat. if there is no work there is less production. so it’s bad for economy.”
Some of the local executives are also planning to implement the same scheme.
“After the Department Heads meeting this afternoon, LGU Catigbian will implement a 4-day workweek effective on Monday, March 9, 2025 to save 15-20% of electricity and fuel consumption. This temporary shift in work schedule is in line with the national governments advice to cut costs in LGU operations amid the US-Israel-Iran war,” Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva said.
Loay Mayor Atty. Lahar Ayuban told this writer, “We will be implementing it too Bai. Nag draft nako sa EO. Pero sa March 16 nami mag start (not March 9) para makaandam sad ang kada department / office. Of course, except sa frontliners, RHU, LDRRM ug ang among Libreng Sakay. Sa among mga jeepneys nag adopt pod mig measures para maka save gyud ug fuel.”
Economic managers are considering, if authorized, to allow President Marcos Jr. to lower excise taxes on petroleum products if oil prices surge to around $80 per barrel or beyond, news report said.
Senators are reportedly agreeable and showed support the proposal to give President the authority to reduce or suspend fuel excise taxes as global oil markets react to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The government has warned businesses of profiteering or taking advantage of the volatile situation if once the petrol prices rate hike will be felt by the consumers.
In Tubigon, it looks like a panic buying of petrol products when the people are being pictured started to bring in containers being lined up in a gas station. The situation has gone viral in social media. (Ric Obedencio)
