Philippines adopts four-day work week for selected executive offices amidst Middle East crisis

According to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., non-essential government travel and activities, such as study tours, team-building activities, or meetings, will also be temporarily prohibited to conserve and electricity consumption and petroleum costs.

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on 6 March that a four-day work week will be implemented for some executive offices effective 9 March 2026 (Monday). 

This comes after news of the current effects from the Middle East crisis. During this period, President Marcos Jr. stated that the temporary implementation will not include emergency or essential service providers, such as the police, firefighters, and officers that provide frontline services to the public.

Further, all agencies of the Government are advised to conserve and reduce electricity consumption and petroleum costs from 10% to 20%. 

"Non-essential government travel and activities, such as study tours, team-building activities, or meetings, are also temporarily prohibited, which can be done online," he added. 

The President also shared other measures to help minimise the effect of the war on citizens due to the price of petroleum expecting to increase. The price of gasoline is projected to increase by PHP7.48 per litre, diesel by PHP17.28 per litre, and kerosene by PHP32.35 per litre.

First, the Government will work with Congress to "grant the President temporary authority to reduce the excise tax on petroleum products if it hits US$80 per barrel. 

Second, the Government will work with Congress to amend the Biofuels Act of 2006, in order to use cheaper bioethanol to lower gasoline prices.

Third, fuel subsidies and cash transfers will be distributed to affected sectors. 

At the same time, President Marcos Jr. emphasised that businessmen and traders should not take advantage of this situation, as hoarding and profiteering are prohibited by the law.

For compatriots currently in countries in the Middle East, the President assured that the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Migrant Workers, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Association are continuing to communicate with them to monitor conditions.

"The evacuation of Filipinos who wish to repatriate has already begun and when it is safe to travel, we will be able to evacuate everyone.

"We have been through many trials. And each time, because of our unity, faith in God, and concern for one another, we have overcome them.

"I believe that we will overcome this trial too. Thank you very much for your solidarity and your cooperation," he concluded. 

READ MORE: Countries across Asia issue travel and safety advisories amid rising tensions linked to Iran conflict 

Lead image / President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Facebook