MANILA — The House of Representatives has adopted a series of cost-cutting measures and modified work arrangements aimed at reducing non-essential spending and improving the use of public resources.

In a memorandum dated March 12, House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil directed all offices to implement the measures in line with Office of the President Memorandum Circular No. 114 issued on March 6, 2026.

“In line with the Office of the President Memorandum Circular No. 114 dated 6 March 2026, the House of Representatives shall adopt the following modified work arrangements and guidelines to streamline operations, reduce non-essential expenditures, and optimize the use of public resources,” the memorandum said.

The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to promote fiscal discipline while ensuring that public services remain uninterrupted.

Among the measures is the adoption of a hybrid work arrangement. During congressional recess, personnel will report on-site on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and work from home on Mondays and Thursdays.

During session periods, employees will report on-site from Monday to Wednesday and work from home on Thursdays to ensure sufficient staffing for legislative work.

The memorandum states that the adjusted work setup should not disrupt services provided to lawmakers, employees, and the public. Offices are required to make their contact details, including mobile numbers and email addresses, publicly available on the House website, official Facebook page, and the HRep Viber Group, particularly during work-from-home days.

Several operational units — including the Engineering and Physical Facilities Department, Medical and Dental Service, Records Management Service, and the Legislative Security Bureau — will maintain skeletal personnel on-site during work-from-home days to ensure continuous operations. Employees who need to report to the office on such days must secure prior approval from the Office of the Secretary General.

The policy also tightens controls on official travel and meetings and introduces energy conservation measures across House facilities.

“Air-conditioning units may only be turned on at 8:00 a.m. and must be turned off at 6:00 p.m., except in essential areas such as the Session Hall during session days. Thermostat settings shall also be standardized at 24°C,” the memorandum stated.

Lighting use will also be monitored, with offices encouraged to maximize natural light and ensure lights in restrooms, meeting rooms, and workspaces are turned off when not in use. Computers and office equipment will follow stricter energy-saving protocols, including automatic monitor shutoff after five minutes of inactivity and limiting printing to essential documents while promoting digital circulation of files.

Transportation policies include a no-idling rule for vehicles inside House premises, the temporary suspension of requests for official vehicles, and the promotion of carpooling and alternative mobility options such as bike racks.

The memorandum also outlines long-term initiatives to improve sustainability, including the installation of solar panels, the adoption of net metering systems, the shift to LED lighting, and the prioritization of inverter-type air-conditioning units.

Offices will designate energy efficiency officers or “Green Teams” to monitor compliance and recommend additional cost-saving strategies, while the Executive Committee will regularly review the impact of the measures and consider further initiatives to enhance institutional efficiency.