MANILA, Philippines — As the conflict in the Middle East threatens to send global oil prices skyrocketing, Parañaque 2nd District Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan is calling for a temporary return to work-from-home (WFH) and online class setups to protect Filipinos from rising fuel and electricity costs.
Yamsuan urged both the government and the private sector to begin planning a transition to remote operations.
- The Goal: To ease the financial burden on workers and students who rely on public transportation or private vehicles, which are the most vulnerable to “fuel price shocks.”
- Global Context: Following recent strikes in Iran involving the U.S. and Israel, analysts expect crude oil prices to surge to between $85 and $90 per barrel. Brent crude has already climbed from $61 at the start of the year to over $72.
The suggestion comes as the Marcos administration explores various energy-saving strategies:
- Four-Day Workweek: Malacañang spokesperson Claire Castro confirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is considering a proposal for a shortened workweek to reduce overall energy consumption.
- Excise Tax Suspension: Marikina Representative Miro Quimbo has filed House Bill No. 8257, which would grant the President emergency powers to suspend fuel excise taxes upon the recommendation of the Finance Secretary.
- Emergency Powers: President Marcos himself has expressed intent to ask Congress for specific powers to reduce the excise tax on petroleum products to mitigate rapid price increases.
Yamsuan emphasized that shifting to WFH and online classes are “immediate steps” that can be taken without waiting for new laws, providing instant relief to the transport sector and average commuters as the Middle East crisis persists.