4-day workweek has its own setbacks-experts

THE country's push to improve its ease of doing business could face setbacks as the public sector shifts to a four-day workweek, with economists warning that the compressed schedule may complicate transactions between businesses and government offices.

- BY JUSTINE XYRAH GARCIA

The concern comes as several government agencies began implementing a four-day workweek this week, following a directive by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to adopt the compressed schedule as part of efforts to conserve energy and reduce fuel consumption amid rising global oil prices triggered by tensions in the Middle East.

Former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dante B. Canlas said the arrangement may prove disruptive, particularly if the private sector continues operating on the traditional five-day workweek.

"The private sector has many dealings with [government], such as, matters of regulation and other forms of legal and soft capital that the government is in charge of. Taking out one day over transactions like those results in inefficient outcomes," Canlas told the BusinessMirror.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 114, series of 2026, national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), local government units (LGUs), constitutional bodies, state universities and colleges, and other government instrumentalities are directed to adopt flexible work arrangements to help reduce building energy load and transport fuel consumption.

Government employees may either compress their standard 40-hour workweek into four days or adopt a hybrid arrangement where one day is spent working from home, depending on the agency.

Malacañang has clarified that agencies delivering "essential, basic, and vital" services must ensure that operations remain uninterrupted. These include offices responsible for health services, public safety, and emergency preparedness and response.