MMDA Proposes New Work Hours to Ease Metro Manila Traffic

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has put forward a proposal to adjust the working hours of government employees to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in an effort to mitigate traffic congestion in the National Capital Region (NCR). This suggestion was made public by MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes during a press conference held after a meeting with the Metro Manila Council (MMC) at their headquarters in Pasig City. The proposal awaits the approval of all 17 NCR mayors before it can be presented to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for final endorsement. Artes emphasized the importance of gathering preferences from local government units (LGUs) to ensure the data presented to the President is comprehensive and reflects the diverse experiences of each LGU. A survey conducted among LGUs that have already implemented the 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. schedule reported positive impacts on traffic flow, with reduced travel times during peak hours and fewer delays on major roads in Metro Manila. The MMDA estimates that the new schedule would affect approximately 37.15% of NCR’s government workforce, or 175,918 employees who drive their own vehicles, and would benefit an additional 47.20%, or 223,508 workers who rely on public transport, by avoiding traditional rush hour traffic. Support for the new work schedule has been voiced by San Juan City Mayor and MMC President Francis Zamora, along with Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano.