Starting March 9, 2023, the country will adopt a new work schedule approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This decision is linked to the rise in global fuel prices caused by the war in the Persian Gulf.
The shortened week will not affect emergency services, such as police and firefighters, who will continue to provide necessary support to the population.
The president noted that "the new workweek will be temporary and will not impact emergency services, such as police and firefighters, who provide immediate assistance to people."
Additionally, the Philippine authorities are requiring government agencies to reduce electricity and fuel consumption by 10-20 percent.
Analysts had previously predicted a sharp rise in oil prices, primarily due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi warned that all energy exporters in the region will declare force majeure in the coming days, and oil prices could reach $150 per barrel.
