Senator Imee Marcos raised concerns over the Department of Energy's reduced onsite workdays during an ongoing fuel crisis, prompting responses from DOE Secretary Sharon Garin regarding the department’s operational efficiency under a hybrid work setup.
During a Senate PROTECT Committee hearing on April 13, 2026, Senator Imee Marcos criticized the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to implement a two-day onsite workweek as part of its energy-saving measures amid the fuel crisis. Marcos highlighted complaints from oil stakeholders and companies about difficulties in obtaining contract approvals, expressing concern that the Filipino people are suffering economic hardship while the DOE reduces physical office presence. “Many are complaining they have no one to approach at DOE-PNOC for contract approvals. People are struggling to find work, there is no harvest, no food, and yet the DOE appears to be on vacation,” the senator said. In response, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin defended the hybrid work arrangement, emphasizing that work-from-home does not equate to a lack of productivity. She stated that the department continues to operate efficiently, meeting every day—including weekends—and has maintained uninterrupted work for eight weeks. Garin outlined ongoing efforts by undersecretaries addressing power supply, supplier sourcing, and enforcement despite reduced onsite staff. “We are not on vacation. We work very hard. Efficiency is even higher now despite working from home,” she told the Senate panel. Senate panel chair Sherwin Gatchalian and Senator Joel Villanueva also expressed concerns, urging the DOE to revisit the work setup. Garin affirmed the commitment to energy efficiency across the government, noting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent directive to implement a temporary four-day workweek for executive offices to conserve energy amid the Middle East conflict. The DOE’s initiative cuts onsite attendance from five to two days weekly, with remaining workdays fulfilled remotely, aiming to balance energy conservation and departmental mandate fulfillment amid the ongoing fuel challenges.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/983686/imee-marcos-grills-sharon-garin-over-doe-s-2-day-onsite-work-setup/story/