Comelec implementing energy-saving measures
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will adopt energy-saving measures to institutionalize energy efficiency and conservation practices within the commission amid the major oil price hike in the country.
The Comelec has released its energy conservation protocol in line with the Republic Act No. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act of 2018 and the Memorandum Circular No. 114, series of 2026 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which directed government agencies to adopt energy-saving protocols.
The protocol was also issued as Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia announced that the poll body will not be implementing a four-day work week as it is currently on the peak of its preparations for various elections this year. The guidelines were shared by Garcia to the media on Thursday.
READ: No 4-day workweek for Comelec due to various 2026 polls preparations
The Comelec said that the protocol will be applicable to the Comelec main office, including the offices of the regional election directors, provincial election supervisors, and election officers.
The Comelec noted that all non-essential lights must be turned off and electrical appliances and electronic equipment shall be turned off when not in use, especially after office hours. The air-conditioning units must be switched off at least two hours before the end of office hours.
Aside from these, cooking within the office premises is “strictly discouraged,” while natural light must be maximized. Energy-saving materials must be bought and used in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Energy while incandescent lighting must be replaced with compact fluorescent lamps or light-emitting diode bulbs subject to available funds.
The Comelec also directed the General Services Division of the Administrative Services Department to “ensure proper trip scheduling and routing to minimize unnecessary short trips and reduce vehicle deployment.”
READ: Next oil crunch impact: prices, cargo, air travel
The drivers of service vehicles are also instructed to take the safest and shortest routes when possible to avoid being stuck in traffic. Overloading of service vehicles is also strictly discouraged.
Meanwhile, the poll body said that the gasoline consumption of personnel with fuel allowance will be monitored. It is also encouraging Comelec personnel to use the stairs instead of elevators, except for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
The poll body also noted that meetings involving out-of-office participants shall be conducted virtually “as far as practicable” through videoconferencing platforms. /das
