The Commission on Elections in the Philippines will maintain its regular workweek due to critical preparations for multiple upcoming elections in 2026, despite government-wide energy-saving initiatives.
The Philippines’ Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced that it will not adopt the four-day workweek policy announced recently for several government offices. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia cited the intensified preparations for three important elections scheduled in 2026 as the primary reason for maintaining the usual work schedule. These elections include the special elections in the second district of Antipolo City on March 14, the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections anticipated in September, and the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections set for November 2. While the four-day workweek aims to conserve energy, Comelec will instead implement alternative energy-saving measures such as turning off air conditioning one to two hours before office closing, unplugging unused appliances, encouraging carpooling among employees, and conducting meetings online when feasible. This approach ensures that crucial electoral tasks are not disrupted amid ongoing nationwide voter registration and election preparation activities. The decision contrasts with the executive department offices, which will temporarily implement the four-day workweek starting March 9 in compliance with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to conserve energy.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/979389/comelec-will-not-adopt-4-day-workweek-amid-poll-preparations/story/
