MANILA, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda has criticized the Department of Energy (DOE) after discovering that some employees reportedly report to work only once a week, questioning the agency’s ability to manage the country’s energy crisis. Her remarks came during a Senate hearing on March 24, 2026, where she expressed frustration over DOE’s flexible work arrangements and the absence of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.

Legarda, speaking at the Senate’s Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) committee hearing, said, “Ang Department of Energy, na kayo dapat ang key na ahensya ng gobyerno sa krisis na ito ay pumapasok lamang ng minsan sa isang linggo. Tapos half day pa yung secretary mo pumasok kanina. Kaya pala ganito, walang nagtitimon ng krisis.”

She further questioned DOE’s justification for the arrangement, noting that officials claimed it was part of cost-saving measures. Legarda argued that such practices undermine the agency’s capacity to respond to urgent energy challenges, especially amid rising fuel prices and supply concerns linked to global conflicts.

The senator also pressed DOE officials on whether other government agencies were following similar once-a-week reporting schedules. She pointed out that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) admitted to having a flexible setup, with employees reporting only on specific days and working from home on Fridays. Legarda warned that this lax arrangement could compromise the government’s ability to act swiftly in times of crisis.

Her criticism comes on the heels of DOE’s delayed request for congressional approval to use Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) funds, which Legarda had previously blasted as a sign of inefficiency. She stressed that the DOE should be more proactive, given its role as the frontline agency in addressing energy supply disruptions.

The absence of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin during the Senate hearing further fueled Legarda’s frustration. Garin’s nonattendance was first noted by Senator Francis Pangilinan, prompting Legarda to question the DOE chief’s priorities. “Just for the record, may we know where Secretary Sharon Garin is?” Pangilinan asked, highlighting the importance of leadership presence during critical discussions.

The controversy has sparked public debate on government accountability and the effectiveness of flexible work arrangements in agencies tasked with crisis management. Analysts argue that while hybrid work setups may be suitable for some offices, frontline agencies like the DOE must maintain a consistent physical presence to ensure swift decision-making and coordination.

Legarda’s remarks are expected to intensify scrutiny of DOE’s operations and could lead to calls for stricter attendance policies across government agencies. The senator emphasized that the Senate itself would not adopt such lenient work schedules, underscoring the need for discipline and urgency in public service.

This incident highlights the growing tension between efficiency, accountability, and flexible work arrangements in government, with the DOE now under pressure to prove it can effectively steer the country through its energy challenges.

Image from Sen. Loren Legarda’s Facebook Page