MMC mandates NCR LGUs to adjust working hours 'to ease traffic'

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Wednesday said it has passed a resolution mandating the adjustment of working hours in local government units (LGU) in the National Capital Region (NCR) in a bid to reduce traffic congestion.

Based on the resolution, the working hours in NCR LGUs will be adjusted from the traditional schedule of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting April 15.

“The persistent traffic congestion in Metro Manila demands innovative solutions for the improvement of commuting conditions and the well-being of the citizens of the NCR,” the resolution read.

“The findings derived from the MMDA study underscore the potential effectiveness of implementing a standardized working schedule for government offices in Metro Manila, particularly during peak hours, in reducing traffic congestion,” it added.

NCR LGUs are advised to issue an ordinance to implement the adjusted working schedule.

Government agencies in the NCR providing essential services may adopt the adjusted working schedule provided that they ensure continuous and uninterrupted public service delivery.

The MMDA Resolution No. 48 Series of 2024, which was signed February 28, also recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to issue an executive order for the implementation of the modified working hours in Metro Manila local governments. 

Marcos on Wednesday said that the government is fast-tracking the mass transit system in the country to address traffic problems.

''Ang tanging sagot dito ay talaga ay mga mass transit system kaya 'yun ang aming minamadali. 'Yun ang aming gagawing priority, hanggang ngayon ay priority-- sa mga imprastraktura kontra sa trapiko,'' Marcos said during a Town Hall Meeting in San Juan City. 

(The solution is the mass transit system which is now being fast-tracked. We've made it a priority... to build infrastructure that will ease traffic.) —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News