Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. on March 5, 2026 filed House Resolution No. 843 supporting the proposed adoption of a four-day work week in government offices to help save energy amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The proposal follows the announcement of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the national government is studying the possible implementation of a four-day work week in public offices.

“With the escalating conflict in the Middle East, countries are now bracing to cushion the impact of projected oil price increases in the global economy,” Lazatin said.

Lazatin noted that during his term as mayor of Angeles City from 2019 to 2025, the local government implemented a four-day work week in city offices, except for departments involved in the delivery of basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other essential services.

He said the scheme resulted in savings in operating expenses for the city government.

Records from the Angeles City government showed that electricity consumption dropped from ₱9,349,450.13 in 2018 to ₱8,708,225.90 in 2021, equivalent to a 7 percent decrease or savings of ₱641,224 following the implementation of the compressed work schedule.

A comparative analysis of electricity consumption from 2019 to 2023 also showed that total kilowatts consumed from 2020 to 2023 were lower than in 2018.

“Base sa personal experience natin bilang mayor, hindi naman napapabayaan ang trabaho sa four-day work week at mas nakakatipid pa ang gobyerno,” Lazatin said.

The Civil Service Commission, through Memorandum Circular No. 06, Series of 2022, allows flexible work arrangements in government offices, including a compressed workweek such as a four-day work schedule.