Increased remote activity, flexible setups are being conducted during the upcoming oil price hike

By Adrian H. Halili, A reporter

PHILIPPINE lawmakers have urged the government and the private sector to expand the use of work-at-home and other flexible work programs amid an expected increase in fuel prices due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.

A group of employers and labor leaders, though they say its implementation will vary across industries, stressing the need for social protection for remote and local workers.

Senator Joel J. Villanueva said that expanding work at home or flexible work programs will be able to protect Filipino workers from the rise in global oil prices and reduce fuel consumption.

“At a time when oil prices are rising due to unrest in other parts of the world, we must use the means we already have in the law to help workers,” he said in a statement, citing Republic Act No. 11165 or the Telecommuting Act.

“As we face the consequences of rising oil prices, we must expand the policies already in place that benefit workers, businesses and the broader economy.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. he previously asked Congress to give him special powers to lower excise taxes on petroleum products, amid a possible shock to oil prices.

Mr. Villanueva added that both private and public sector employers can use mixed work setups, compressed work weeks, staggered work hours, and flexible schedules to reduce travel demands.

“These alternative work arrangements can help reduce congestion on our roads, reduce fuel consumption, and allow workers to save on travel costs,” he said.

The senator said that promoting remote or flexible work programs can significantly reduce daily commutes and improve productivity, noting that millions of Filipinos walk to work, especially in the capital.

“If the work can be done at home or with a hybrid setup, we should learn and use it, especially if it helps reduce labor costs.”

Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, who chairs the Finance committee, previously proposed the implementation of a four-day work week with a day assigned to work from home maintenance, noting that this move could reduce the burden of Filipino workers and save fuel and energy costs.

Although the proposal is open, party list lawyer Elijah R. San Fernando said in a statement that the proposal to adopt a four-day work week should not come at the expense of workers.

“We understand the oil crisis and the need to save electricity. But the policy must be clear: the four-day work week should not be used as a reason to reduce workers’ wages,” said Mr. San Fernando in Filipino. “The workers still have to return all their wages to their families, especially since the prices of goods are also increasing due to the cost of petrol.”

He also urged the government and the private sector to expand existing regulations on the use of other applications.

Mr. Villanueva said the 2018 law provides the right policy framework that can be expanded to reduce the need for local workers to travel.

“The result of the work from the domestic law is not only a benefit for the workers, but it is also an effective measure to reduce the consumption of gasoline and diesel, especially since we expect the prices to increase due to the unrest in the Middle East,” he added.

The Telecommuting Act legalizes remote work in the private sector, enabling employees to fulfill their responsibilities from other locations using telecommunications and digital tools.

IT’S NOT EVERYTHING
President of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. he said some local businesses may not be able to take full advantage of increased work from home or flexible work arrangements.

“There are many benefits to this, but it’s not like measuring everything. There are many industries that can’t do it,” he said. BusinessWorld on the phone, realizing industries, such as manufacturing, construction, and health care, may not be able to make the most of home work.

Productivity in some businesses may suffer due to staff absence from the office, adding that poor internet connectivity and lack of equipment may reduce productivity, he said.

“There are advantages there, however, as long as it is done voluntarily and the rules are adjusted in other industries, maybe it can be done,” said Mr. Ortiz-Luis.

For the President of the Federation of Free Workers Jose Sonny G. Matula, policy responses to the increase in oil prices must include support for workers at work, such as transportation assistance, targeted subsidies, or measures that protect real wages and purchasing power.

“These arrangements must be voluntary and employee-oriented – no wage cuts, no unpaid overtime, and clear limits on working hours, as well as protections for occupational safety, data privacy, and the right to terminate,” he said in a Viber message.

In a separate Viber message, Josua T. Mata, secretary-general of Sentro ng mga Naggakaisa in Progresibong Manggagawa also said that for long-term job planning to be successful, government agencies and employers must provide the necessary equipment, technology, and institutional support.

Mr. Matula added that the Senator’s proposal will also require a three-way negotiation and evidence to prevent employers from passing the cost on to workers.

“Employers should also avoid passing on operational costs such as electricity, internet, or equipment to employees,” he said.

“Internet access, data costs, and essential work tools are the responsibility of the employer – not the sacrifices of employees,” he said in a Viber message.