MMDA, LGUs discuss possible change in working hours to ease traffic

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is already consulting with local government units regarding the proposal to adjust the working hours of national government agencies in Metro Manila in a bid to ease traffic.

''Nasa LGUs pa lang po kami ngayon,'' MMDA chairman Romando Artes said at a Palace press briefing.

(We're still with the LGUs.)

''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,'' he added.

(We are talking with their employees as well as those who are transacting with them. So far, those who provided feedback were those in San Juan, Pasay, and Pasig. They said they prefer the 7 to 4 work hours.)

Earlier, the MMDA said the working hours of national government agencies in the National Capital Region (NCR) should be adjusted to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to ease the traffic.

Nearly two million employees are expected to avoid the surge of commuters during the usual peak of heavy traffic around 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. if the recommendation is implemented, according to the MMDA.

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said the possible adjustment of working hours should be “practical” for commuters.

--VAL, GMA Integrated News