All employees of the Manila City Hall (MCH) are now ordered to leave the compound promises after office hours as part of the local government’s efforts to save on electricity.
Mayor Alfredo Lim issued a memorandum to all departments, offices and bureaus under the MCH, prohibiting officials and personnel from loitering in their rooms after office hours.
In his statement, Lim cited a report submitted by the security personnel making the rounds at the MCH that some employees and non-employees stay in their respective offices even beyond 5 p.m., not to do extra work but only to watch television and play computer games. There are even reports reaching the office of lawyer Rafaelito Garayblas, the secretary to the mayor, that some employees spend the night in their offices.
Lim said he will not tolerate these practices in order to cut down on the MCH’s electricity’s consumption.
“This practice unnecessarily wears down airconditioning units, television sets and computer sets also resulting in heavier electricity costs and eventually adding a huge burden to the city’s shoestring budget,” the memo stated.
Only those who are required to render overtime and those given express approval from the mayor’s office would be allowed to stay after office hours.