The Philippines has introduced a temporary four-day workweek in government offices as escalating conflict in the Middle East, involving Iran, Israel, and the US, drives up global oil prices and threatens energy security.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the measure on Friday, 6th March 2026. The policy takes effect on Monday, 9th March 2026, in offices under the executive branch and aims to reduce fuel and electricity consumption amid fears of supply disruptions.
“We are victims of a war that is not of our choosing,” President Marcos said in a statement. “But we control how we will protect the Filipino [people].” The President acknowledged uncertainty over the conflict’s duration but stressed proactive steps to safeguard citizens.
The Philippines imports most of its crude oil from the Middle East and relies on oil-fired power plants for electricity. President Marcos warned that an effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes — could increase local pump prices next week by 7.48 pesos per litre for gasoline, 17.28 pesos for diesel, and 32.35 pesos for kerosene (equivalent to 13–55 US cents).
Shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have already been reported, including reduced traffic and threats to vessels, contributing to higher global crude prices.
Beyond the four-day workweek, President Marcos directed all government agencies to cut fuel and power consumption by 10%–20%. Non-essential activities such as study tours, team-building events, and in-person meetings that can be conducted online are banned. Frontline services, including police and firefighters, are exempt from the reduced workweek.
President Marcos also urged Congress to grant authority to reduce excise taxes on petroleum products if crude oil prices exceed US$80 per barrel. President Marcos proposed amendments to the biofuels law to allow cheaper bioethanol blending with petroleum and outlined additional support such as fuel subsidies and cash transfers to affected sectors. The four-day workweek is temporary, though no end date was specified.
The policy draws on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote work became widespread. Lito Villanueva, executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer at RCBC and chairman of Fintech Alliance Philippines, said the country is prepared for broader adoption. Speaking on DZRH, Villanueva noted that experience with work-from-home arrangements has equipped workers and businesses for flexible schedules.
“We are very prepared because we have been trained for COVID-19. In fact, during COVID-19, absolutely no one is coming into the office, but everyone is working from home or working from anywhere” Villanueva said.
Villanueva advocated extending energy conservation nationwide, not just in government offices: “The whole nation should undergo such adjustment, not just the government. We do not know how long these challenges will last, so conserving energy early is critical.”
RCBC has aligned with the directive, shifting employees to four office days and using Fridays to lower costs and energy use. Villanueva encouraged private sector participation, highlighting benefits for well-being, efficiency, and national preparedness.
“I think the entire country, it shouldn’t just be the government or the government that launches this 4-day workweek because, our energy reserve is very critical. We don’t know how long this conflict in the Middle East will last. So everyone should be prepared and as early as now, let’s conserve energy”
The conflict also raises concerns for over two million Filipinos working in the Middle East, whose safety and remittances could be affected.These measures form part of contingency planning to mitigate inflation risks and economic strain from the energy crisis triggered by the war.
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