Sandro Marcos wants to find out effectiveness of flexible work hours in gov’t offices

House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos has sought a congressional inquiry into the effectiveness of implementing flexible work hours in government offices.

Marcos made the proposal under House Resolution 855, which called on the House committees on labor and employment and on trade and industry to conduct a joint probe.

The lawmaker pushed for an inquiry to account for the contributions of telecommuting in reducing fuel consumption, easing traffic congestion, and lowering electricity demand in workplaces.

“Recent geopolitical tensions and armed conflict in the Middle East pose significant risks to global oil supply chains. The increase in fuel and electricity prices translates into higher transportation costs, greater operational expenses for businesses, and an additional financial burden on Filipino families already coping with inflationary pressure,” Marcos said in his measure.

“In times of economic disruption caused by global energy shocks, telecommuting arrangements may serve as effective policy mechanisms,” he added.

Marcos’ call for an inquiry came amid the recent oil price hikes made worse by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

His father, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has earlier ordered the implementation of a four-day work week in government agencies under the executive branch as part of energy conservation measures.

Other government offices and state-run firms have also followed suit with their own flexible working arrangements for employees, allowing them to perform their duties under work-from-home set-ups.

The country has an existing Telecommuting Law, or Republic Act 11165 enacted in 2018.

This law allows employees in the private sector to perform their duties from alternative workplaces using telecommunications and computer technologies and ensures that their labor rights and benefits remain protected.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has also adopted policies on flexible work arrangements in government through Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2022.

However, Marcos said there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to flexible work arrangements in government offices even such these rules in places.

He said the House of Representatives must “assess the extent to which the Telecommuting Act and flexible work arrangements in the government and private sector have been implemented by relevant government agencies.”

The lower chamber should also “determine whether additional legislative or policy measures are necessary to maximize its benefits for workers, employers, and the national economy,” Marcos added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News