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.