7-to-4 work schedule for Metro Manila LGUs starts Thursday

MANILA, Philippines — Starting tomorrow, local government units (LGUS) in the National Capital Region will implement the modified work schedule in compliance with a resolution approved by the Metro Manila Council (MMC) to ease traffic congestion in the metropolis.

In Navotas, Mayor John Rey Tiangco signed Executive Order No. JRT-016, adjusting the working hours of city hall employees from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tiangco said aside from addressing traffic woes, the new work schedule would allow local government employees to maximize their time with their families.

He said city hall personnel involved in traffic management, emergency preparedness and response as well as peace and order are exempted from the modified work schedule.

Tiangco encouraged barangay officials to issue similar orders for the implementation of the modified working hours.

In Caloocan, employees of the local government will follow the adjusted work schedule, except for specific offices that are required to operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., such as the business permit and licensing office, treasury department, city assessment department and public information office.

Offices of the city disaster risk reduction and management office, public safety and traffic management department, city environmental management department, Caloocan City Medical Center and Caloocan City North Medical Center will continue to operate around the clock to address the needs of the people.

The Malabon LGU also announced it would implement the new work schedule tomorrow.

In San Juan, Mayor Francis Zamora signed Executive Order No. FMZ-168 for the implementation of the adjusted work hours for city officials and employees.

“We need to introduce standardized working schedule for government offices in Metro Manila, especially during peak hours, to alleviate traffic congestion,” Zamora said.

The MMC pushed back the implementation of the new work schedule for LGUs to May 2 instead of April 15.