MANILA, April 15 ------ The Metro Manila Council deferred the implementation of the 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. adjusted work schedule for local government units to May 2, instead of April 15. According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), this is to "give more time to prepare for the transition of the adjusted work hours."
The MMC earlier adjusted the working hours in local government offices in Metro Manila to ease traffic congestion. "With only 22% of the total 645,000 permanent government employees in NCR, peak hours will be spread out. There is also a huge impact in public utility vehicles ridership with almost half a million government employees commuting. From our observation 4pm is off-peak hours in terms of ridership, the employees can easily go home while those in the private sector can expect decongested public transportation," MMDA acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said.
MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora also said LGUs can develop their own flexible work arrangements that are feasible to their respective local governments. Offices and departments offering frontline services will not be subject to the adjusted working hours. MMDA will also be following the adjusted work hours, except for its frontline personnel. Artes likewise said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked other national government agencies located in Metro Manila to submit suitable alternative work arrangements in line with the goal to lessen rush hour traffic.
According to Artes, there will be no adjustments in the number coding hours. "There is no need to change the number coding scheme. In fact, it will be more beneficial to government employees since they will not be affected, given that the policy will be in effect within the adjusted working hours," he said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com