By CESAR JOLITO III

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will implement a four-day workweek beginning April, closing all its offices every Monday as part of the national government’s energy conservation efforts.

According to Lionel Marco Castillano, regional election director for the Negros Island Region (NIR), the adjusted schedule follows a recent en banc resolution issued by the poll body.

Under the new setup, Comelec offices will operate from Tuesday to Friday.

Despite the shortened workweek, Comelec assured the public that access to key services would not be affected.

Voter registration will continue every Saturday to accommodate individuals who are unable to visit offices during regular weekdays, particularly those who are employed.

The agency will also sustain its offsite voter registration drives, with a focus on educational institutions across the region as it continues preparations for the 2026 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections scheduled on November 2.

Election officers are likewise set to extend services to remote and underserved barangays, in coordination with local government units that can provide transportation support.

Meanwhile, Comelec confirmed the cancellation of the upcoming summit organized by the Asian Network for Free Elections, which the Philippines was scheduled to host from April 21 to 23.

No explanation was given for the cancellation, and it remains unclear whether the event will be rescheduled./CJ, WDJ