President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said starting March 9, government agencies under the Executive branch will temporarily adopt a four-day work week due to the expected oil supply disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

In a video message onFriday, Marcos outlined several measures the government will implement to mitigate the anticipated rise in oil prices.

“Simula sa Lunes, ika-9 ng Marso, pansamantala nating ipapatupad ang four-day work week sa ilang tanggapan ng ehekutibo,” Marcos said.

As per the memo, all agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including GOCCs, are hereby directed, and local government units, constitutional bodies, state universities and colleges, and other government instrumentalities are likewise encouraged.

The adjustment will exclude offices providing essential or emergency services, such as police and firefighters, as well as agencies delivering frontline public services.

The President also temporarily banned unnecessary travel by government personnel, including study tours, team-building activities, and meetings that can be conducted online.

Marcos directed all government agencies to conserve energy and reduce electricity and fuel expenses by 10 to 20 percent.

He added that he has been coordinating with Congress to obtain temporary authority to lower the excise tax on petroleum products if global oil prices hit $80 per barrel.

Marcos is also in talks to amend the Biofuels Act of 2006 to allow the use of cheaper bioethanol as a means of reducing gasoline prices further.

In addition, the government will release fuel subsidies and cash transfers to assist affected sectors. Marcos said authorities are closely monitoring retail prices to prevent opportunistic practices.

“Nakikiusap ako sa ating mga negosyante at mga traders: huwag ninyo sanang samantalahin ang sitwasyong ito. Pinapaalala ko sa lahat na ang hoarding at profiteering ay labag sa batas,” he said.

The President emphasized that the steps aim to protect Filipinos from the impact of the conflict, noting that while the Philippines cannot control the war, it can control measures to safeguard its citizens.

“Hindi natin alam kung kailan matatapos ang kaguluhan sa Gitnang Silangan. Biktima tayo ng isang giyera na hindi natin pinili o ninanais,” he added.

Marcos assured that agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will continue to coordinate with Filipinos in the Middle East and monitor their situation.

He explained that the conflict has affected the passage of oil-carrying ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, causing worldwide price increases.

Marcos warned that petroleum prices are expected to rise next week, projecting gasoline to increase by P7.48 per liter, diesel by P17.28, and kerosene by P32.35.

-Paraluman News