The proposal of changing work hours in government offices in the National Capital Region to help ease traffic would need to be studied further, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Romando Artes.

Last month, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the proposal to shift government work hours in Metro Manila from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, Marcos stated that this should only be implemented if the commuting public approves.

On Tuesday, the President met with Artes, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, and Economic Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan to discuss the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan.

During the meeting, Artes presented the results of some local government units having “7 to 4” work arrangements.

“We showed [to the President] the benefits, although it is limited within the area of the city halls, and we preliminarily endorsed everything, but, again, we said that a thorough study and consultation with the different agencies and departments was still needed,” Artes said in a Palace briefing.