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Sen. Imee Marcos blasts DOE over 2-day onsite work rule; panel urges policy review
Sen. Imee Marcos blasts DOE over 2-day onsite work rule; panel urges policy review
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Sen. Imee Marcos blasts DOE over 2-day onsite work rule; panel urges policy review
by Thea Divina13 April 2026
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Photos from Senate of the Philippines / Youtube

Sen. Imee Marcos strongly criticized the Department of Energy (DOE) over its implementation of Department Order 2026-030006, which limits onsite work to two days per week with 50% workforce reporting, during the Monday, April 13, hearing of the Committee on Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT), chaired by Sen. Win Gatchalian.

Marcos questioned the policy’s urgency and effectiveness amid ongoing energy and economic concerns, pointing out that the arrangement is significantly more limited compared to previous directives requiring four days of onsite reporting, and even more relaxed than the full onsite schedules maintained by many private companies.

“Ang daming nagrereklamo, wala raw silang mahagilap sa DOE – PNOC for the approvals of contracts. Walang tao… Namamatay na yung tao ng gutom, hindi na makapaghanapbuhay. Wala nang ani, wala nang pagkain at ang DOE ay nagbabakasyon?” the senator questioned.

She also raised complaints from stakeholders about difficulty accessing DOE services and securing approvals involving the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC).

The senator further pressed DOE officials on how the agency could effectively respond to a crisis situation with reduced onsite presence, asking how permitting and contract approvals could proceed efficiently amid public concerns of limited accessibility.

DOE Secretary Sharon Garin defended the arrangement, stressing that work-from-home does not mean reduced productivity, saying that DOE personnel continue to work daily, hold regular meetings—including on weekends—and operate under extended working hours.

“Hindi po nagbabakasyon ang DOE. We work from 8 [AM] up to 8 in the evening. All of them are working even harder now.”

Garin added that the policy was designed to improve efficiency while supporting energy conservation efforts.

“We are aware we have to save energy and electricity.”

Marcos maintained that the reduced onsite setup was affecting public service delivery, particularly for oil industry stakeholders, and questioned how critical transactions could proceed when fewer personnel are physically available in the office.

“Sa sobrang saving naman ninyo Sec. Garin, hindi naman yata tama na walang pumapasok yung mga oil stakeholder. Lahat ng umaasa na makabili ng mas murang langis eh walang mahagilap sa DOE.”

Sec. Garin responded that operations remain continuous, citing adherence to deadlines for service contracts and ongoing coordination with industry stakeholders. They also emphasized that many processes are already automated and handled electronically.

In another note, Sen. Gatchalian suggested revisiting the policy, noting that while digital systems like the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) support online transactions, the current scale of energy-related issues may require a stronger onsite presence.

He also raised concerns about public perception, saying that limited office attendance could affect confidence in government responsiveness.

“I think because of the magnitude of the problem right now on oil supply ay naka-focus lahat sa DOE so may I suggest just to revisit that policy of 2-day work week.”

Garin expressed openness to reviewing the arrangement, reiterating that the agency is also promoting energy efficiency measures amid ongoing supply challenges.

Sen. Joel Villanueva, co-author of the work-from-home law, said he supports flexible work arrangements but echoed concerns about optics, noting that the DOE’s reduced onsite presence may be difficult to justify given its critical role in national energy management despite assurances of continued productivity.

“Mahirap i-defend despite the fact na I would think the secretary is doing her best to ensure they are doing their jobs and that they are complying with all their targets pero hindi talaga maganda yung dalawang beses sa isang linggo pumapasok, sa pandinig yung mga kawani ng pamahalaan sa Department of Energy,” he said.

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