New work hours take effect in Metro Manila

(UPDATE) THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the new working hours for government employees in the National Capital Region will begin on Thursday, May 2.

From the original 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the new working hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be implemented to lessen traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

The resolution was approved by the Metro Manila Council last month.

MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes attributed the worsening traffic condition in Metro Manila to increased use of vehicles after the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing infrastructure constructions that require temporary closure of certain roads.

«Starting May 2, the MMDA will be able to provide services earlier. From 7 in the morning, the MMDA Head Office located on Julia Vargas Avenue corner Molave Street, Barangay Ugong, Pasig City, is open to the public,» the MMDA said in a statement, adding some of its staff would be allowed to stay until 5 p.m. to finish transactions.