MANILA — A lawmaker called on private companies to implement a four-day work week to help ease the impact of rising fuel prices amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Citing a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) study, Sen. Chiz Escudero highlighted the economic cost of Metro Manila’s traffic, estimating a daily loss of ₱3.5 billion, projected to reach ₱5.4 billion by 2035 if congestion persists.

“If we are losing ₱3.5 billion every single day because of traffic, that means Metro Manila is bleeding roughly ₱105 billion a month and more than ₱1.27 trillion a year,” the senator said.

He emphasized that flexible work arrangements could reduce commuting demand, lower transportation costs, and strengthen economic resilience in anticipation of further fuel price spikes.

Escudero urged companies in business hubs such as Makati City and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig to lead the way in adopting mobility-oriented workplace reforms, citing their heavy traffic volumes as a key concern.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a temporary four-day work week for government offices starting March 9, under Memorandum Circular No. 114, aimed at promoting energy conservation and optimizing public resources.

The Department of Energy also warned that diesel prices could surpass ₱80 per liter in March if staggered price adjustments are not implemented amid the ongoing Middle East tensions.

This move, Escudero said, would help both businesses and workers cope with rising fuel costs while mitigating the economic losses caused by traffic congestion.