Duterte’s decision on proposed 4-day work week due on Mar. 21

Commuters/ workers queue at the EDSA Bus Carousel in Monumento, Caloocan City.  (INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision on the proposed four-day work week will be out on March 21, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said Thursday.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recently recommended implementing a four-day work week to conserve energy amid rising fuel costs.

“Malalaman po natin ito ngayong darating na Lunes,” Andanar said on Dobol B TV.

(We will know this coming Monday.)

He, however, hinted that the President will heed the recommendation of the economic cluster.

President Rodrigo Duterte (Screengrab from PCOO / Facebook)

“Pero ang mahalaga ho ay sinabi naman ni Presidente Duterte kay Secretary Sonny Dominguez after he explained, after the secretary of finance gave his recommendation, na that is our policy kung ano ‘yung magiging desisyon ng economic cluster dahil ‘yun naman ang kanilang forte ay ‘yun ang polisiya ng ating gobyerno,” Andanar shared.

(But what’s important is President Duterte told Secretary Sonny Dominguez after he explained after the secretary of finance gave his recommendation, that is our policy whatever the decision of the economic cluster is because that is their forte.)

Aside from the fewer work days, the Department of Finance suggested retaining the excise tax on fuel and instead of providing a monthly subsidy of P200 per family belonging in the bottom half, which Duterte approved.

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