House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, representative of Ilocos Norte’s 1st District, has filed House Resolution No. 855 urging Congress to examine how telecommuting and flexible work arrangements can help Filipino workers cope with rising electricity and fuel costs.
The resolution directs the House Committee on Labor and Employment and the House Committee on Trade and Industry to conduct a joint inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the implementation of telecommuting and flexible work policies.
Findings and recommendations will be submitted to Speaker Faustino Dy III, including possible legislative measures to strengthen and expand remote work nationwide.
Marcos cited geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as a key driver of global oil supply risks, warning that higher fuel and electricity costs could strain households and businesses.
“Recent geopolitical tensions and armed conflict in the Middle East pose significant risks to global oil supply chains, potentially resulting in higher fuel prices and electricity costs that may inevitably affect the Philippine economy and the daily lives of Filipino workers,” he said.
He added that rising energy costs translate into higher transportation expenses, greater operational costs for businesses, and heavier financial burdens for families already coping with inflation.
“The increase in fuel and electricity prices translates into higher transportation costs, greater operational expenses for businesses, and additional financial burden on Filipino families already coping with inflationary pressures,” Marcos noted.
Marcos emphasized that flexible work arrangements, including telecommuting, could help reduce these pressures while maintaining productivity.
“In times of economic disruption caused by global energy shocks, telecommuting arrangements may serve as effective policy mechanisms to reduce transportation demand, lower operational energy consumption in workplaces, and help shield workers and businesses from the adverse effects of rising fuel and electricity costs,” he said.
The Telecommuting Act of 2019 (Republic Act No. 11165) allows private sector employees to work from alternative locations using telecommunications and computer technologies while ensuring their labor rights remain protected.
Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission has adopted flexible work arrangements for government employees through Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2022.
Marcos pointed out that adoption varies widely across industries and agencies, underscoring the need for Congress to assess whether current policies are sufficient.
The inquiry will review telecommuting adoption in both public and private sectors, evaluate existing rules, and examine the role of digital infrastructure and broadband connectivity in supporting remote work.
It will also explore how telecommuting could help reduce fuel consumption, ease traffic congestion, and lower electricity demand in workplaces.