Senator Joel Villanueva called on both government agencies and the private sector to implement work-from-home (WFH) and other alternative work arrangements to help mitigate the impact of rising oil prices.

Villanueva emphasized that flexible work arrangements can reduce fuel consumption, especially as tensions in the Middle East drive global oil prices higher. He cited his authored law, Republic Act No. 11165, or the Work-from-Home Law of 2018, as a legal framework that allows employees to work remotely without affecting productivity.

Under current regulations, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) supervises WFH implementation in the private sector, while government offices follow Civil Service Commission (CSC) guidelines. Villanueva noted that millions of commuters in Metro Manila face long travel times due to heavy traffic, increasing both time and fuel costs.

“Where tasks can be done from home, agencies and companies should seriously consider WFH arrangements to ease the burden on workers while maintaining productivity,” Villanueva said.

He urged employers and government offices to maximize flexible work schemes as a practical solution to rising living costs amid the oil price surge.