Fuel costs continue to rise in the Philippines, with diesel prices having exceeded P100 at many gas stations across the country. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has temporarily suspended the transport fare hike slated for implementation this week, providing relief for commuters using public transportation. But with the oil price hike and a nationwide transport strike, it may be time for Filipinos to work from home again.
On Thursday, March 19, several schools, colleges, and universities shifted to online classes due to the strike. Meanwhile, workers and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are seeking a return to hybrid and remote work arrangements.
Earlier this week, the DOLE suggested that private employers allow their employees to work from home or adopt a four-day workweek to help workers and ease operational costs. Some government offices have already implemented four-day workweek schemes amid rising fuel costs, distributing the required 40 hours of work across four days instead of five. Cavite First District Representative Jolo Revilla, who chairs the House Committee on Labor and Employment, also urged the private sector to shift to more flexible work setups.
The BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN Pilipinas), a group of employees in business process outsourcing, also called for expanded remote work arrangements. In a statement, BIEN Pilipinas said, “As fuel prices rise, the effects quickly spread across the economy through higher transport fares, food prices, electricity costs, and other basic goods. […] Allowing employees to work from home is the fastest and most practical way to shield workers from the rising cost of daily commuting.”
According to Inquirer, the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) also said that it would support adjusted working arrangements provided that they are “worker-centered,” with employers paying workers in full.
