LGUs in Metro to adopt 7-to-4 working hours

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Metro Manila Council (MMC) yesterday issued a resolution urging local government units (LGUs) to adjust working hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The resolution, which was passed on Feb. 28, aims to mandate all national government agencies in the National Capital Region (NCR) to adopt the same modified working hour schedule.

It also recommends to President Marcos the issuance of an executive order to implement the resolution on a mandatory basis effective April 15.

An EO is needed to execute or implement the resolution filed by the MMC.

The move comes in response to the persistent traffic congestion issues in Metro Manila, which have necessitated innovative solutions to improve commuting conditions and enhance the well-being of citizens.

A comprehensive study conducted by the MMDA underscored the need for innovative measures to address traffic congestion.

The findings emphasized the potential effectiveness of implementing a standardized working schedule for government offices, particularly during peak hours, in reducing traffic congestion.

The traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. working hours in government offices have been identified as contributing to traffic congestion during rush hour periods in Metro Manila, as they align with the standard working hours of private companies.

During the Bagong Pilipinas town hall meeting at FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan yesterday, MMDA acting Chairman Romando Artes reported a 17.68-percent increase in traffic volume from 2019 to 2023.

In 2019, approximately 3,087,980 vehicles passed through major thoroughfares compared to about 3,634,233 vehicles last year.

In a phone interview with The STAR, MMC president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said that MMC members – the 17 mayors in Metro Manila – have signed and approved the resolution.

Zamora noted that the resolution’s primary goal is to mitigate the traffic woes in the nation’s capital.

“The resolution was discussed and approved during our last meeting. We agreed that as long as the eight working hours are being complied with, there will be no problem,” he said.

Zamora said that LGUs would also