Palace open to work-from-home setup amid oil price surge
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang welcomed proposals to adopt work-from-home (WFH) arrangements as fuel prices continue to rise but said the decision ultimately rests on private companies.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Friday, March 27, the government sees WFH as a “helpful” measure to reduce fuel consumption and ease the burden on workers.
“Kung iyan ang magiging panukala ng mga private business companies, makakatulong na malaki ‘yan. Pero siyempre hindi naman didiktahan ng pangulo ang mga pribadong kumpanya,” Castro said.
(If that will be the proposal of private business companies, it will be a big help. But of course, the president will not dictate to private companies.)
She said that businesses are free to decide on work arrangements that best suit their operations, including hybrid or fully remote setups.
“Kung nakikita nila na ito’y makakabuti sa ating bayan, para sa interes ng ating mga kababayan para makatipid din sa fuel o sa produktong petrolyo, maganda ‘yang suggestion,” she added.
(If they see that this will benefit the country and serve the interest of our people by helping them save on fuel or petroleum products, then that is a good suggestion.)
Labor groups have been pushing for flexible work schemes, including WFH, to help employees cut transportation costs as oil prices climb.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines has also proposed a P5,000 monthly subsidy for minimum wage workers affected by rising fuel prices.
Castro said no option is “off the table” but noted the need to prioritize sectors most affected while staying within the national budget.
She added that the government is ready to extend assistance, citing ongoing relief measures such as discounted train fares, free bus rides and fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle drivers.
Earlier this week, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency to ensure fuel supply and economic stability.
As part of energy-saving measures, government agencies have been directed to adopt a four-day workweek and limit air-conditioning use, with thermostats set no lower than 24°C.
Marcos also signed Republic Act No. 12316, allowing the temporary suspension or reduction of excise taxes on petroleum products to help cushion the impact of rising oil prices.
Analysts, however, warned that fuel prices may continue to rise as tensions escalate in the Middle East following the joint assault by the United States and Israel on Iran.
Energy prices have surged sharply since the attacks, with global benchmarks climbing amid fears of supply disruptions and potential damage to key energy infrastructure in the region.
This could translate to higher fuel costs locally, further pressuring transport fares and food prices.
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