DOLE: Minimum wage in 5 regions under review

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday said that five Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWP) have already started the review of their wage orders.

“May limang region na ang nagsisimula sa proseso. Matatandaan natin, nung nakaraang May 2024, nagkaroon ng direktiba ang ating Pangulo na magkaroon ng timely review, 60 days prior to the anniversary ng kanilang pinakahuling wage order,” said DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB. 

(There are five more regions that are starting the review process. If we remember, the President had a directive in May 2024 for the wage boards to start the review 60 days prior to the anniversary of their last issuance.)

“Ang mga susunod na rehiyon na magsasagawa ng proseso ay Region I, II, III, IV-A, at VII. Pagkatapos niyan ay susunod na rin ang ibang rehiyon,” added Laguesma. 

(These regions are Regions I, II, III, IV-A, and VII. Then, other regions will follow.)

Bienvenido said that this is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in May 2024 to review the minimum wage rates in every region. 

Last week, the NCR-RTWPB granted a P50 wage hike for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila, bringing the daily minimum wage rate from P645 to P695 for the non-agriculture sector and from P608 to P658 for the agriculture sector, service and retail establishments employing 15 or less workers, and manufacturing establishments regularly employing less than ten workers. 

The increase is set to take effect on July 18. —Sundy Locus/ VAL, GMA Integrated News