The Senate is preparing to implement a work-from-home (WFH) setup for its employees as part of cost-cutting measures amid the continued rise in fuel prices.

According to Senate Secretary Mark Llandro "Dong" Mendoza, the initiative aims to reduce operational expenses while still maintaining government services. The plan is currently being finalized and has received approval in principle from Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III.

“In principle, okay na si SP [Sotto]. Inaayos na lang namin yung final na details kung paano i-gagawin yung setup ng work from home. At kung sino-sino,” Mendoza said.

He explained that employees assigned to essential services, such as security personnel, will not be included in the WFH arrangement. However, other employees will be rotated to ensure that everyone will have the opportunity to work remotely.

“Well, actually, yung essential personnel naman, security, hindi pwedeng kasama sila sa work from home. Pero yung the rest naman… for sure, lahat marorotate ng nakakapag-work from home,” Mendoza added.

The Senate currently employs more than 2,000 personnel, and the proposed setup will be formally laid out before implementation.

Mendoza said the rollout is expected after Holy Week, once the Senate break concludes. “Ang target [implementation]… mag-break naman tayo next week… After [a] whole week, mag-roll out na kami,” he said.