MMC sets 7 am-4 pm work hours for Metro Manila LGUs

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has passed a resolution mandating the adjustment of working hours of local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The MMC is one of the governing boards and policymakers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), along with the presidents of the Metro Manila Vice Mayors League and the Metro Manila Councilors League.

Based on the resolution released by MMDA to the media on Wednesday, the working hours were adjusted to improve Metro Manila’s traffic and commuting conditions.

“All government offices under the Local Government Units located in the National Capital Region shall adopt a modified working schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,” MMDA Resolution No. 24-08 stated.

The order was signed last February 28.

“In the implementation thereof, the local government units located in the National Capital Region are hereby enjoined to enact their respective ordinances,” it added.

According to the resolution, an MMDA study underscored “the potential effectiveness of implementing a standardized working schedule for government offices in Metro Manila, particularly during peak hours, in reducing traffic congestion.”

“The traditional 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. working hours in government offices align with the standard working hours of private companies, thereby contributing to traffic congestion in Metro Manila,” it states.

Aside from LGUs, the national government agencies within NCR were also encouraged to adopt a modified working schedule “provided that they ensure continuous and uninterrupted public service delivery.”

The resolution will take effect on April 15 and after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation and the filing of three copies of the document with the Office of the National Administrative Register of the University of the Philippines Law Center.