Adjusted Metro Manila LGU work schedule moved to May 2

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has pushed back the implementation of the new 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. work schedule for local government units to May 2, instead of the initially announced April 15.

In a media briefing on Friday, the MMC explained that this is to provide additional time to prepare for the transition to the modified work hours.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, who was present in the briefing, said that the new work schedule is expected to create a positive impact on traffic flow in Metro Manila.

Artes noted that, “with only 22% of the total 645,000 permanent government employees in Metro Manila, peak hours will be spread out. There is also a huge impact in public utility vehicles ridership with almost half a million government employees commuting.”

“From our observation 4pm is off-peak hours in terms of ridership, the employees can easily go home while those in the private sector can expect decongested public transportation,” he added.

Artes said that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has requested national government agencies in Metro Manila to submit suitable proposals for alternative work arrangements in line with the 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. schedule, with the aim of easing rush hour traffic.

“All the mayors agreed that each one of us will have our own observations and recommendations after a month of the implementation of the new work schedule and will present the results to Malacanang,” Artes also said.

Despite the impending change in work schedule, Artes clarified that there will be no adjustments to the number coding hours.

“There is no need to change the number coding scheme. In fact, it will be more beneficial to government employees since they will not be affected, given that the policy will be in effect within the adjusted working hours,” he explained.

San Juan City Mayor and MMC President Francis Zamora, for his part,  also said that each local government unit can devise their respective flexible work arrangements that, of course, would not hamper the delivery of services.

“There are many services that the LGUs are offering – predominantly are office-based while some are on-the-ground. But in general, time of transaction in usual offices will be from 7am to 4pm but the LGUs must ensure that all clients will be accommodated even until 5pm,” he said.