Palace hopes for ‘acceptable’ wage hike

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is hopeful that an “acceptable” decision on wage hike petitions would be arrived at soon as labor groups pressed the government for higher pay amid the rising prices of goods, an official said yesterday.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the National Wages and Productivity Commission has been conducting public hearings between employers and workers to discuss possible wage adjustments. 

“We hope a decision, which is acceptable to both parties would be made soon,” Panelo told reporters.

He said the government has undertaken measures to soften the impact of rising prices as the wage boards have yet to decide on the petitions for a salary increase.

“The government has acted decisively to tame inflation. Our people are beginning to feel the effects, with the prices of rice going down,” Panelo said. 

He cited the suggested retail price program and prescribed labeling for milled rice, which are intended to shield consumers from profiteers.

“The Office of the President along with the concerned government agencies is closely monitor inflation to ensure that our economy will continue to be advantageous to the people,” Panelo said.

Metro Manila’s wage board completed its consultations with labor groups on Friday.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines is seeking a P334 increase in the daily minimum wage of workers in Metro Manila. The Association of Minimum Wage Earners and Advocates is pushing for a P688 pay hike.