House of Representatives to Implement Work-From-Home Arrangement Due to Habagat

The House of Representatives will implement a work-from-home (WFH) arrangement starting at 12 noon on Thursday, in response to the effects of the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Habagat. This measure is in compliance with Memorandum Circular No. 135 issued by the Office of the President. According to an advisory from the House, the WFH arrangement shall apply to all House officials and employees, with the exception of those whose physical presence is necessary for essential and critical operations. The Presidential directive instructs government offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) and several provinces to implement appropriate alternative work arrangements amid expected heavy downpour due to Habagat. In the Philippines, seasonal monsoons like Habagat frequently bring heavy rainfall, often leading to flooding and disruptions in transportation networks, particularly in low-lying areas. The implementation of WFH or similar alternative work arrangements by government agencies is a crucial measure to ensure continuity of public service while minimizing the impact on citizens' daily lives during such natural events. There have been multiple instances in the past where government offices adopted temporary WFH measures under similar weather conditions.