MANILA, Philippines — Should government operations be the ones to make adjustments just because of the notorious traffic situation in Metro Manila?
Commissioner Aileen Lizada of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) posed this question in the wake of a recent proposal from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to change the office hours of all government offices in the capital region in anticipation of major roadworks on Edsa this year.
“MMDA sees the situation [through] their lens: traffic. However, for the CSC, we must look at the effects of these (changes) as [they involve] the transacting public,” Lizada told reporters in a Viber message on Tuesday.
READ: MMDA eyes ‘7-to-4’ work sked in gov’t offices
She stressed the government’s obligation to ensure the timely completion of transactions, processing of applications or release of requested documents under Republic Act No. 9485, or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.
“[Will] government offices, with frontline services, stop [their] operations to address the traffic concern? What is now the priority of the government agencies—the transacting public or traffic?” the official said, adding:
“These are valid questions that need to be addressed. While the intention is good, this must be studied thoroughly.”
For recommendation
Asked about the MMDA proposal on Monday, President Marcos said he was open to studying it further, telling reporters that “If it works, we’ll do it.”
Versatile options
But Lizada said the CSC had already come up with versatile work options for government workers, such as the “compressed” four-day work week, work-from-home arrangements, and the setup of satellite offices.
In its Memorandum Circular No. 6 issued in June 2022, when the country was still coping with the pandemic, the commission outlined the policies allowing “flexible working arrangements.”
Under the memo, the agencies should still ensure that frontline services remain available to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.