The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is in talks with local government units (LGUs) to consider adjusting the working hours of national government agencies in Metro Manila as a strategy to ease worsening traffic congestion.
“Nasa LGUs pa lang po kami ngayon,” MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said during a Palace press briefing, indicating that consultations are ongoing.
Artes explained that the MMDA is gathering feedback from government employees and citizens transacting with government offices to assess the feasibility of the proposal. So far, LGUs from San Juan, Pasay, and Pasig have responded positively, expressing a preference for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. work hours.
“Iyong mga empleyado kasi nila ay ini-interview natin, ganoon din po iyong mga nagta-transact sa kanila kung okay ba sa kanila iyon. Pero so far, iyong nagbigay po ng feedback sa amin ay San Juan, Pasay, and Pasig, at sinabi po nila na mas gusto nila iyon pong 7 to 4 na work hours,” Artes added.
Potential Impact on Traffic
Earlier, the MMDA proposed adjusting the work hours of national government agencies in the National Capital Region (NCR) to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. This shift aims to reduce the afternoon rush hour traffic, typically peaking between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
If implemented, the MMDA estimates that nearly two million employees could avoid the usual commuter surge, potentially easing congestion on major roads like EDSA.
Presidential Support for Practical Solutions
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing that any adjustment to working hours should be “practical” and beneficial for commuters.
The MMDA continues to explore additional solutions, including the potential removal of the EDSA bus lane and road closures for special events, as part of a broader effort to address Metro Manila’s traffic woes.