Cebu Business Leaders Advocate for Flexibility in Four-Day Workweek Proposal
Business groups in Cebu have voiced strong support for making the proposed four-day workweek optional rather than mandatory, aligning with the stance of national business leaders who argue that such a policy may not be suitable for all industries. This position emphasizes the need for discretion to accommodate diverse operational needs across sectors.
Industry-Specific Concerns Highlighted
Regan Rex T. King, President of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that while a shortened workweek could benefit some companies, it should not be imposed universally. He pointed out that industries dealing with international clients or operating across time zones could face significant disruptions if the policy becomes mandatory. "Maybe it should be discretionary because there are some industries that cannot work with a four-day workweek," King stated, citing examples such as businesses with outbound services or global operations.
King noted that some firms adopted a four-day workweek during the pandemic, but making it compulsory could negatively impact productivity and efficiency in companies unprepared for the shift. "If it will be imposed as compulsory, some companies will really have a hard time," he warned. "But if it’s optional, we will support it because not all industries and companies are ready."
Support from Mandaue Chamber of Commerce
Barbara 'Bambi' Gothong-Tan, President of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, echoed this view, advocating for a sector-by-sector evaluation of the proposal. She explained that while flexible work arrangements worked for some companies during the pandemic, industries requiring continuous service or coordination with overseas markets might experience operational disruptions. "It might be applicable to some businesses, but not all industries and companies are ready for a four-day workweek," she said, adding that firms must carefully assess potential effects on productivity and operational efficiency.
Alignment with Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The position of Cebu's business leaders aligns closely with that of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), which supports government efforts to conserve energy through a four-day workweek but stresses its feasibility only for certain sectors. In a statement, PCCI highlighted that industries with continuous operations, such as manufacturing, may find the setup impractical due to production lines and delivery commitments that cannot be easily halted.
However, PCCI acknowledged that some companies are already implementing compressed workweek arrangements, where employees complete the standard 40-hour workweek in four days by working 10 hours daily, maintaining full pay and productivity. The group noted potential benefits for employees, including commuters who could save approximately 20 percent on transportation costs by reducing weekly trips, and drivers who could cut fuel use and related expenses.
Broader Economic and Geopolitical Context
PCCI also warned of rising fuel prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, which are expected to increase logistics costs and consumer prices in the coming weeks and months. The organization urged Congress to grant emergency powers to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to mitigate the impact on households and businesses, suggesting measures like reducing excise or value-added taxes on fuel.
In response, the private sector has begun implementing energy conservation measures, such as carpooling, work-from-home arrangements, optimizing air-conditioning settings, and investing in renewable energy sources like solar power.
Adapting to a VUCA World
King described the current business environment as a "VUCA" world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous—where companies must constantly adapt to disruptions like rising fuel prices and global geopolitical tensions. "The good thing about the business sector is we learn to adapt," he said. "If it’s short-term, we adjust for the short term. But if we see that it’s already long-term, then we will have to adjust how we do things."
He added that companies may adopt more efficient processes and cost-management strategies to cope with higher operating costs. When asked about potential retrenchment if global conflicts persist, King noted that labor adjustments have been a global challenge even before recent tensions, emphasizing that businesses will continue to adapt based on evolving situations.
