President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a Special Cabinet Meeting at Malacañan Palace on March 3, 2026 to address the escalating situation in the Middle East, including the condition and possible repatriation of Filipinos, as well as its impact on oil supply, fuel prices, inflation, and the country’s economic stability. (Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office)

 

 

Some government offices in the executive branch will begin their mandated four-day workweek today, with the Supreme Court announcing Sunday that the judiciary will also adopt flexible work arrangements in line with the national energy conservation policy.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the temporary implementation of a four-day onsite workweek in some executive branch offices starting March 9 as part of contingency measures to mitigate the economic impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Classes in public schools are not covered by the four-day workweek arrangement “but the DepEd offices are covered,” Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara also said over the weekend.

In a video message on Friday, Mr. Marcos said the arrangement will apply only to selected government offices and will not cover agencies providing emergency or essential services, such as police, firefighters, and frontline public service units.

To further cut energy consumption and transport demand, agencies will implement a four-day onsite work arrangement either through a compressed workweek or a designated work-from-home day, in line with Civil Service Commission rules, he said.

The policy will remain in effect until lifted by the President.

Mr. Marcos also ordered the suspension of unnecessary government travel and activities such as study tours, team-building events, and meetings that can be conducted online.

The directive forms part of broader energy conservation measures ordered under Memorandum Circular 114 signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

The circular cited volatility in global energy markets due to tensions in the Gulf region, which has triggered higher fuel prices and could affect the national economy.

Under the order, government agencies must accelerate the implementation of the Government Energy Management Program and reduce electricity and fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent.

Agencies are instructed to maintain a standard thermostat setting of 24 degrees Celsius in air-conditioned spaces, activate sleep settings on office equipment, and turn off non-essential lights and electronics during lunch breaks and after office hours.

They are also encouraged to hold virtual meetings, limit official travel to essential activities, and adopt fleet-efficiency measures to reduce fuel use.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s Memorandum Circular No. 02-2026 states the high court will observe a four-day onsite and one-day work-from-home arrangement, with Fridays generally designated as WFH days.

However, at least 25 percent of personnel in each office must report onsite to ensure continuity of operations, the memo explains.

The Court of Appeals will follow the same arrangement, while the Sandiganbayan and the Court of Tax Appeals will continue a full five-day onsite workweek. First- and second-level courts will adopt the four-day onsite and one-day WFH scheme.

All courts and judiciary offices will also implement energy conservation measures such as limiting official travel and maintaining standard thermostat settings.

In the Senate, Sen. Francis Escudero expressed support for the policy and encouraged private companies to consider adopting a four-day onsite workweek or staggered work hours.

Escudero said flexible work arrangements could reduce daily transportation demand, cut operating costs, and ease financial pressure on workers amid rising fuel prices.

“Acting this early as we anticipate what could possibly happen would strengthen the country’s resilience should the situation worsen,” he said.

Congress has long implemented a four-day workweek for its personnel, and Escudero said expanding similar arrangements to the private sector could maximize the benefits of the government’s compressed work setup, particularly in major business districts.

 

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