Manila City Hall Implements 4-Day Workweek to Conserve Energy | 2026 Update

MANILA – Facing potential fuel supply disruptions and rising costs linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East, the City of Manila has moved to a four-day workweek for most city hall employees. The shift, formalized through Executive Order No. 8, Series of 2026, signed by Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, aims to conserve energy and reduce fuel consumption as a precautionary measure. This follows a similar directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. For some national government offices, signaling a broader effort to mitigate the economic impact of a potential “oil shock.”

A Response to Global Instability

The decision to implement a Monday-Thursday perform schedule, with hours adjusted to 7 a.m. To 6 p.m. And 8 a.m. To 7 p.m., is directly tied to concerns over the Strait of Hormuz. As Mayor Domagoso explained in early March, the potential closure of this critical waterway – a key passage for approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil supply – poses a significant threat to the Philippines’ energy security and economic stability. The ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East, including “Operation Epic Fury” (the joint US-Israel strike against Iran), is expected to exacerbate global oil market volatility.

This isn’t the first time Manila has proactively addressed potential economic fallout from international crises. In March 2026, Domagoso initially ordered a 50 percent reduction in fuel consumption for all city government operations, a move intended to prepare the city for potential price spikes and supply shortages. The initial fuel reduction order laid the groundwork for more substantial measures like the four-day workweek.

Essential Services Remain Operational

While the four-day workweek applies to the majority of Manila City Hall employees, it’s crucial to note that offices providing essential services are exempt from the schedule change. Details were not provided regarding which specific departments fall into this category, but the intention is to ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical public services to Manila residents. This approach mirrors the national government’s directive, which also allows for exceptions to maintain essential functions.

How the Four-Day Workweek Policy Works

The implementation of a four-day workweek is a relatively straightforward, though potentially disruptive, policy shift. Generally, it involves condensing the standard 40-hour workweek into four longer workdays. This can be achieved through extended daily hours, as is the case in Manila, or by adjusting work schedules to accommodate the latest format. The goal is to reduce the number of commuting days, thereby lowering fuel consumption and easing traffic congestion.

However, the success of such a policy hinges on careful planning and coordination. Departments must ensure adequate staffing levels to maintain service delivery, and employees may necessitate to adjust to longer workdays. The long-term effects on employee productivity and morale also need to be monitored.

Context: Manila City Hall and Local Governance

Manila City Hall, located in the historic Ermita district, serves as the central administrative hub for the City of Manila. As detailed on Wikipedia, the building itself is a significant architectural landmark, originally envisioned as part of a larger national government center plan dating back to the early 20th century. The Mayor of Manila holds office within City Hall, alongside the chambers of the Manila City Council.

The City of Manila, a densely populated metropolis, faces unique challenges in terms of traffic congestion and energy consumption. Implementing energy-saving measures like the four-day workweek is therefore particularly relevant in this context. The city government’s proactive response to the Middle East crisis demonstrates a commitment to mitigating potential economic risks and protecting public funds.

National Government Support and Broader Implications

The Manila City government’s decision aligns with a broader national strategy to address the potential energy crisis. President Marcos Jr.’s directive to implement a four-day workweek in select executive branch offices underscores the seriousness of the situation. Memorandum Circular 114 extends the policy to a wide range of government entities, including government-owned and controlled corporations, local government units, and state universities and colleges.

The move is part of a larger effort to reduce the Philippines’ reliance on imported oil and promote energy efficiency. While the four-day workweek is a temporary measure, it could pave the way for more sustainable work practices in the long term. It also highlights the interconnectedness of global events and their impact on local economies.

What Happens Next?

The immediate next step is the full implementation of Executive Order No. 8 across Manila City Hall. Officials will need to monitor the effectiveness of the four-day workweek in terms of fuel savings and service delivery. It remains unclear how long the policy will remain in effect, as it is contingent on the evolving situation in the Middle East and global oil market conditions. The city government will likely assess the impact of the policy on employee productivity and adjust accordingly. Further updates will be posted on the Manila City Hall Facebook page.