NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
)
S. No
SENATE
2738
■ l‘I ■' I
(©fi'iCP of ;;;f # ; cl
24 JUL23 A10:01
RECEU/'cD BV.
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR COMPRESSED WORKING HOURS ARRANGEMENT IN THE 
PRIVATE SECTOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, THEREBY AMENDING 
ARTICLE 83, 85 AND 87 OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE FOUR HUNDRED 
FORTY-TWO (PD NO. 442), AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
LABOR CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Constitution, Art. II, Sec. 18 provides that "[t]he State affirms labor as a 
primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their 
welfare."
The modern workforce has evolved significantly, with employees seeking more 
flexible work arrangements that balance professional and personal lives. In response 
to this shift and the growing need for more adaptable labor policies, this proposed 
measure aims to institutionalize compressed workweek arrangements in the 
Philippines.
The bill allows employers, in consultation with employees, to implement a 
compressed workweek arrangement. This means employees will work the same total 
number of hours per week, but over fewer days. For instance, instead of the traditional 
five-day workweek, employees may work four days with extended daily hours.


A compressed workweek leads to an extended weekly rest period. An extended 
rest period of three days provides employees with ample time to recover from the 
demands of the workweek. This promotes better mental and physical health, leading 
to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.
Employees will benefit from having more consecutive days off, allowing them 
to spend quality time with their families. This strengthens familial bonds and enhances 
overall well-being. Additionally, it provides more opportunities for personal activities 
such as education, hobbies, and leisure, contributing to a more balanced and fulfilling 
life.
The additional day off each week can be used for educational pursuits or 
professional development. Employees can enroll in courses, attend workshops, or 
engage in self-study to enhance their skills and qualifications, leading to career 
advancement and personal growth.
If they so decide, employees can also make use of the compressed workweek 
to take on part-time jobs or freelance work. This additional source of income can help 
employees meet financial needs, invest in future endeavors, or save for unforeseen 
circumstances.
As additional benefit to our community, with fewer days required to commute 
to work, the overall burden on the transportation system is significantly reduced. This 
can lead to decreased traffic congestion, lower transportation costs for employees, 
and reduced environmental impact due to fewer vehicle emissions.
The proposed Senate measure on compressed workweek arrangements aligns 
with the global trend towards more flexible working conditions. It recognizes the 
importance of work-life balance and seeks to enhance the overall quality of life for 
Filipino workers. By providing extended rest periods, reducing transportation burdens, 
and offering more time for personal and professional pursuits, this bill aims to create 
a more productive, satisfied, and resilient workforce. The adoption of such progressive 
labor policies will ultimately contribute to the nation's economic growth and social 
development.


In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID
Senator 
^


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
2738
of j!(J % t ft.. :•
24 JUL23 AlO :01
RLCtiVkD 6V:
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR COMPRESSED WORKING HOURS ARRANGEMENT IN THE 
PRIVATE SECTOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, THEREBY AMENDING 
ARTICLE 83, 85 AND 87 OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE FOUR HUNDRED 
FORTY-TWO (PD NO. 442), AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
LABOR CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Article 83 of Presidential Decree No. 442, otherwise known as the
2 
Labor Code of the Philippines is hereby further amended by adding the following
3 
paragraph to read as follows:
4 
"Article 83. Normal Hours of Work - xxx
XXX
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
"HOWEVER, THE WORKWEEK OF EMPLOYEES MAY BE 
COMPRESSED BY EXTENDING THEIR NORMAL DAILY WORKING 
HOURS WHICH SHALL IN NO CASE EXCEED TEN (10) HOURS A 
DAY, SUBJECT TO SUCH CONDITIONS AS MAY BE DETERMINED 
BY THE SECRETARY OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT IN 
REGULATIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE WELL-BEING OF 
THE EMPLOYEES."


1 
SEC. 2. Article 85 of the same Code is likewise amended by adding a new
2 
paragraph to read as follows:
3 
"Article 85. Meal Periods - xxx
4
5
6
"IN CASE THE MEAL PERIOD IS LESS THAN SIXTY (60) MINUTES 
AND CONSENTED TO BY THE EMPLOYEE, IT SHALL BE DEEMED 
PART OF THE WORKING HOURS IN A DAY."
7 
SEC. 3. Article 87 of the same Code is likewise amended by inserting a new
8 
paragraph to read as follows:
9 
"Article 87. Overtime Work. - xxx
10 
"IN CASE OF VALID COMPRESSED WORKWEEK AS PROVIDED
11 
HEREIN, THE OVERTIME PAY SHALL BE PAID FOR WORK IN
12 
EXCESS OF THE PREDETERMINED DAILY WORK HOURS, AS
13 
PROVIDED IN THE LAST PARAGRAPH OF ARTICLE 83 OF THIS
14 
CODE, AS AMENDED."
15 
SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Labor and
16 
Employment (DOLE) shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations to carry
17 
out the provisions of this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.
18 
SEC. 5. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is declared
19 
invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts not affected thereby shall remain valid.
20 
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, or
21 
rules and regulations, or portions thereof, that are Inconsistent with this Act or any
22 
provision or provisions, thereof are repealed or modified accordingly.
23 
SEC. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
24 
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
25
Approved,