CIBAC Party-list Representatives Bro. Eddie Villanueva and Congressman Domeng Rivera today urge colleagues in Congress to swiftly pass the Alternative Work Arrangement Bill reminding lawmakers to consider the situation of the Filipino workforce nowadays.

The CIBAC solons filed House Bill 5471 which seeks to amend Article 83 of the Labor Code of the Philippines by institutionalizing the option of adopting alternative working arrangements such as compressed work week especially if national emergency requires or as mutually agreed upon by the employer and the employee. Under this measure, employers can voluntarily adjust their working hours per week requirement, but not beyond 48 hours per week, without affecting the salary and benefits.

Citing the research conducted by Flex Strategy group in 2018, Deputy Speaker Bro. Eddie said remote work flexibility yields benefits for both the employees and employers such as 45 percent of workers communicate better, 60 percent become more productive, and many said that the arrangement prevented burnout.

“The bill can promote work-life balance, improve worker’s productivity and reduce transportation costs for employees. On the other hand, the operation costs of employers will be reduced because of less expense on recruitment and huge savings resulting from the reduction of traffic congestion,” Deputy Speaker Villanueva said.

“Considering the challenging and demanding situation of our workers, especially in metro areas in the country, calls for its approval has become stronger. Hence, we urge our fellow lawmakers to swiftly pass this measure as soon as possible,” he further added.

Other sponsors of the bill at the House of Representatives are Deputy Speaker LRay Villafuerte and Rep. Mark Go.