Senator Joel Villanueva on Monday expressed his full support to the Marcos administration’s commitment to alternative work setups as part of its Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 to foster an efficient labor market.

In a news release, Villanueva urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to explore work arrangements that promote work-life balance, helping employees save time and money while enhancing productivity.

“Work from anywhere is the name of the game,” he said.

“Let’s embrace technology to redefine how and where we work, empowering people to overcome geographical barriers and reach their full potential.”

Villanueva, author of the Republic Act No. 11165 or the Telecommuting Act, has earlier called for the adoption of alternative work setups to ease commuting burdens and improve productivity amid worsening traffic conditions, particularly with the projected overhaul of EDSA this year.

He said remote work arrangements as provided under the Telecommuting Act can address the growing strain on workers caused by traffic congestion, which costs the Philippine economy an estimated PHP3.5 billion daily, according to a 2018 JICA study.

This figure is expected to rise to PHP5.4 billion per day by 2035 without intervention.

“We have been advocating for this since the Telecommuting Act’s enactment, as it benefits both employers and employees in industries that can operate remotely,” Villanueva said.

Known as the “Work-from-Home Law,” the Telecommuting Act establishes a framework for remote work arrangements and mandates the DOLE to identify sectors that can adopt this model.

Villanueva underscored the law’s potential to open opportunities for individuals unable to work in traditional office setups, such as stay-at-home parents or workers in provinces.

The senator reaffirmed his belief that alternative work setup is a win-win solution, providing relief to workers while driving economic efficiency. (PNA)