RP studies four-day works

RP studies four-day works

MANILA (DPA): Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Friday that the government is studying the possibility of implementing a four-day work week in a bid to boost domestic tourism.

Arroyo said the government's legal counsel was already looking into the plan, which was proposed by Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon and travel industry leaders.

"I am amenable (to the proposal)," she said at a news briefing when asked whether she favored a three-day weekend. "As a matter of principle, we want to do it."

Arroyo said the government was looking at starting the scheme by moving the celebration of public holidays that fall on Tuesday or Thursday to Monday or Friday.

In his proposal, Gordon said employees will compensate for the one-day cut by working 10 hours from Monday to Thursday to complete the 40-hour work week.

Gordon said he was hopeful that the longer weekends will entice Filipinos to spend more time traveling around the country to boost domestic tourism.