TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 536
25 JlJL 14 P 2 39
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
ALLOWING THE ADOPTION OF ALTERNATIVE WORK 
ARRANGEMENTS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL 
DECREE NO. 442, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LABOR CODE OF 
THE PHILIPPINES, AS AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Given the increasing complexity of work, there is now a growing recognition of 
the benefits of adopting flexible work arrangements. Flexibility in the workplace allows 
employees to find an arrangement where they can best fulfill their work obligations 
given their respective situations. It also allows an employer to accommodate the 
uniqueness in the backgrounds and capacities of its employees without compromising 
their productivity. Workplace flexibility, therefore, allows both employer and employee 
to find a mutually beneficial work arrangement that works best for both parties.
In fact, a research project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, 
entitled, " Work Autonomy, Flexibility and Work-Life Balance" showed that when 
managers allow workers more discretion or more control over their work, they deliver 
better performance outcomes or better productivity.1
Considering the proven benefits of flexible work arrangements, this bill seeks to 
institutionalize the adoption of voluntary work arrangements if national emergency 
requires or as mutually agreed upon by the employer and the employee. This measure 
also emphasizes that the adoption of voluntary work arrangements shall not result in 
the diminution of the existing benefits of the employees, and the existing laws on the
1 Economic and Social Research Council. Work Autonomy, Flexibility and Work-Life Balance. October 
2017. Available at https;://kar.kent.ac.uk/65922/l/Flexlble%20working%20report.pdf (Accessed on 
02 July 2025).


payment of night shift differential, overtime pay, and other benefits shall not be 
violated.
With this measure, the employer and the employee are given greater liberty to 
agree on a work arrangement that would fit their needs and preferences.
For these reasons, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
JOEu VILLANUEVAQk'


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TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
25 J1JL14 P2 39
Senate Bill No. ^36
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
ALLOWING THE ADOPTION OF ALTERNATIVE WORK 
ARRANGEMENTS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL 
DECREE NO. 442, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LABOR CODE OF 
THE PHILIPPINES, AS AMENDED
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assem bled:
SECTION 1. A new Article 83-A is hereby inserted in the Philippine Labor Code, 
as amended, to read as follows:
"ARTICLE 83-A. ADOPTION OF VOLUNTARY WORK 
ARRANGEMENT. - WHEN NATIONAL EMERGENCY REQUIRES OR 
WHEN THE PARTIES MUTUALLY AGREE, THE EMPLOYER AND THE 
EMPLOYEE MAY ADOPT A VOLUNTARY WORK ARRANGEMENT: 
PROVIDED, THAT HOURS OF WORK SHALL NOT EXCEED FORTY- 
EIGHT (48) HOURS A WEEK: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT IT SHALL 
NOT RESULT IN THE DIMINUTION OF EXISTING BENEFITS AND 
THE RIGHT TO NIGHT SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL AND OVERTIME PAY 
CONSISTENT WITH ARTICLES 86 AND 87 OF THIS CODE, AND 
OTHER BENEFITS IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW SHALL NOT BE 
VIOLATED."
SEC. 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Labor and Employment shall, in consultation


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with relevant stakeholders, promulgate the necessary implementing rules and
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regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
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SEC. 3. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
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unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected thereby shall
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remain in force and effect.
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SEC. 4. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
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executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the
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provisions of this Act iis hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
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SEC. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
10 complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,