Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 27) — The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a bill that will allow employees to have a four-day work week.

In a Saturday press statement, the chamber said House Bill 6152 will institutionalize a compressed work week policy "to promote business competitiveness, work efficiency and labor productivity."

The compressed work week will be an option aside from the current five- or six-day work week.

The bill will allow employees to work four days a week, but they must work up to 12 hours a day.

The Labor Code requires employees to render 40 to 48 hours a week.

The bill states employees under the compressed work week will receive overtime pay if they work beyond 48 hours a week.

In addition, employees are entitled to up to three days off.

The Secretary of Labor and Employment will issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations within 90 days of the law's implementation.

Baguio City Rep. Mark Go, one of the authors of the bill, said the Labor department currently allows companies to go on a compressed work week schemes.

"These arrangements give employers and employees flexibility in fixing hours of work compatible with business requirements and the employees' need for a balanced work-life," he said.